Two suspects arrested for allegedly tampering with Transnet's pipelines infrastructure

9th July 2021 By: Schalk Burger - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

State-owned freight logistics group Transnet says increased surveillance and security measures put in place along the Transnet Pipelines network have led to a further two suspects being arrested for attempting to tamper with the pipelines.

This brings the total arrests for the past three months to 40.

"It is also encouraging that the justice system is starting to record convictions linked to these crimes.

"On June 23, a 42-year-old man was found guilty and sentenced to three years imprisonment and a further five years, suspended for five years, for tampering with the pipeline in the Langlaagte area," Transnet says.

The increase in arrests indicate that the collaboration with various role-players is yielding positive results and Transnet is committed to halting criminal activities and keeping pipelines and communities safe.

"Transnet would, again, like to warn that tampering with our high-pressure petroleum pipelines is dangerous and these acts of theft and vandalism could lead to explosions and fires, potentially resulting in injuries or fatalities to the perpetrators and people living near the pipelines infrastructure."