SAPS’ elite crime-fighting unit – the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) – arrested four people for allegedly digging into a Transnet fuel pipeline running through RDP houses in Thinasonke, a township near Alrode South.
“It was reported that on February 5 at 06:00, Protea Coin security personnel reported for duty. They received a report of a leak in the Transnet pipeline somewhere between Three Rivers, Vereeniging, and Alrode,” read the statement from the Hawks.
@albertonrecord The City of Ekurhuleni’s emergency services responded to the scene on Tuesday night when it was detected that the fuel line was tampered with. The damaged pipeline, which stretches over several kilometres, contains 95-octane petrol. Emergency services preliminary findings revealed that large quantities of petrol were stolen from the pipeline while the rest is seeping into the soil.
The statement continued, “While patrolling the pipeline, they arrived at Thinasonke, and the smell of petrol was evident in the vicinity. The police were summoned to the scene, and following a thorough scanning of the area, an address was identified where a dug-up hole was discovered. It was equipped with a pipe used to siphon fuel from beneath. Four suspects, two of whom were found in the yard where the hole was discovered, were arrested on the scene.”
The suspects could face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and petrol theft.
SAPS’ Public Order Police were called to the scene after residents began gathering around the crime scene.
@albertonrecord EMS spokesperson, William Ntladi, asked residents for their co-operation and compliance while they were moved to a safer area. Residents were also warned about the flammability of the fuel, which is quite high. According to authorities, the pipeline belongs to Transnet, and Transnet is onsite with its rehabilitation and mitigation strategies. This is a developing story, and more information will be made available as soon as updates are received.
Ekurhuleni’s emergency services were called to ensure safety at the scene and helped in evacuating community members.
Repairs to the pipeline are underway.
Those arrested will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on February 7.
VIDEO: Emergency services evacuate Thinasonke residents after fuel spill
