Thareen Enterprises, one of the trucking companies implicated in the daring transformer theft at the Laudium substation, has come forward to defend its name, claiming it was misled into participating in the operation.
Two of the company’s trucks were among the seven confiscated during the brazen attempt to steal transformers worth over R35 million.
In a statement, Reenen Van Eeden, Director of Thareen Enterprises, explained that his company was contracted to transport the transformers from the substation to Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
Van Eeden insists the company followed all legal procedures and was unaware of the illegal nature of the operation.
“On or about 27 November 2024, two of our trucks were deployed to load transformers at a substation in Laudium, Pretoria West. At around 14:30, our staff on the premises were arrested for allegedly removing transformers unlawfully, which we deny in toto,” Van Eeden said.
He highlighted that their operations were fully compliant with transport regulations. “The Traffic Department of Gauteng and Mpumalanga issued permits for these transformers to be transported on 27 November 2024. All paperwork was in order before the goods were transported.”
Thareen Enterprises claims their team was deceived by individuals who had already gained access to the substation using a Tshwane municipal truck and official.
“Our trucks signed in with security before entering the substation. Our staff were met with City of Tshwane officials and a municipal truck and crane, which were in the process of stripping the transformers,” Van Eeden stated.
The company has provided photographic and video evidence to the SAPS to assist with ongoing investigations. Van Eeden emphasized that Thareen Enterprises operates with integrity and was an unknowing victim of the alleged criminal scheme.
Addressing public outrage, Van Eeden acknowledged the frustration of the Laudium community and condemned the theft of essential infrastructure.
However, he criticised media outlets for publishing photos of their trucks and staff without permission, saying this has unfairly tarnished the company’s reputation.
“Thareen Enterprises had no hand in the illegal removal of transformers from the Laudium substation. We remain loyal to the rule of law and respect those who uphold it,” Van Eeden concluded.
Investigations into the heist are ongoing, with Thareen Enterprises fully cooperating with law enforcement. Meanwhile, the company is calling for fair treatment in the media, urging the public to wait for the facts to emerge.
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