Suspects caught red-handed stealing diesel from Transnet pipeline

Two suspects have been arrested after they were caught red-handed stealing from a Transnet underground pipeline in Rustenburg.

The two suspects aged 27 and 34, were arrested during a multi-pronged operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence, K9, Flying squad and Transnet officials on Saturday, 11 July 2020, for tampering with essential infrastructure and theft of diesel worth approximately R480 000.

Police pounced on the two while stealing diesel at an underground pipeline site in Rustenburg by extracting the diesel from underground and pumping it into a fuel tanker.

They were immediately arrested while the third suspect managed to escape.

The fuel tanker and other equipment used were seized for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the suspects are going to make their first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.