Two coal-hauling trucks allegedly diverted from their intended delivery destinations have led to the arrest of five suspects in Middelburg.
The arrests followed a police investigation into the alleged theft and illegal delivery of coal in the Middelburg area, highlighting the risks faced by mines, transport operators and security companies when loads are diverted from their authorised destinations.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) members acted on information received regarding the alleged theft and delivery of coal at a coal yard in Middelburg on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Security personnel responsible for monitoring coal trucks loaded at a particular mine had allegedly followed a truck bearing Mpumalanga registration plates.
The truck was reportedly supposed to deliver its load to Belfast Coal, but allegedly travelled to another mining company, where the coal was offloaded.
Read | Two Truck Drivers Arrested After Brazen Mpumalanga Coal Heist
Police also reportedly found a second truck at the same premises. The truck, bearing Gauteng registration plates, was allegedly destined to deliver coal to another mine but had also reportedly offloaded its load at the premises.
The alleged diversion of loads raises serious questions around the tracking and verification of bulk coal deliveries, particularly where trucks are expected to follow predetermined routes and deliver to specific destinations.
Police said further investigations were conducted, including contacting management from the relevant security companies. The information was subsequently verified, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
Two cases of theft were registered at Middelburg SAPS.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 19 August 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing.
For legitimate trucking operators, the case is another reminder of how important accurate load documentation, route monitoring, delivery verification and effective communication between mines, transport companies and security providers are in protecting high-value bulk loads.
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