Four suspects aged between 30 and 36 years were arrested in Moabvelden mine in Delmas yesterday, Saturday 22 April 2023 at about 20:00 for the failed attempt to steal diesel.
According to information, four light delivery vehicles entered the mine and found a hiding place between stockpiles.
Upon receiving information, the assistant contractor standby manager, the supervisor of Vlanggatfotein mine, and the reaction unit proceeded to the scene.
On arrival, four vehicles resembling the mine mechanical vehicles with their loading bins converted to tanks were found.
The four vehicles, two white Isuzu, one white Ford Ranger, and one white Toyota Hilux pickup all fitted with Gauteng registration plates were found with the four suspects.
Failure of the suspects to provide a reasonable reason for their entry into the mine premises led to the arrest of the suspects for attempted theft of diesel.
Read | Suspect arrested, diesel tanker recovered after high-speed chase in Delmas
All vehicles were seized for further investigation and the Department of Home Affairs will also investigate the legality of the Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa.
The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga SAPS, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela raised serious concerns about the escalating reports of mines-related diesel thefts in the province.
“Early this month, four suspects were arrested for the murder of one of our members and the other member sustained serious injuries whilst investing diesel theft case in Middleburg, we will work round the clock to get all the syndicates responsible for diesel thefts behind bars,” warned the Lieutenant General Manamela. SAPS
