Diesel ‘thieves’ run dry

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) arrested eight suspects on 7 August after they were captured on CCTV stealing diesel from buses at the Wemmer Metrobus depot.

The arrest follows after the JMPD Integrated Intelligence Operation Centre (IIOC) reaction unit received information that hundreds of litres of diesel had been stolen.

One of the suspects led officers to a workshop in Katlehong where the diesel was being stored.

Upon arrival, two more suspects were arrested for the possession of 16 690 litres of stolen diesel with an estimated value of R267 040.

At this workshop, 50 diesel containers were already filled and the suspects were allegedly intending to fill 50 more when they were caught.

At the depot, a further 1 275 litres of diesel was found already loaded onto a van and inside a sedan. The value of this diesel is estimated at R20 400.

JMPD said an undercover operation that followed led to the arrest of the owner of the workshop and his partner.

“Unfortunately, it has also been established that eight security guards, working for a service provider are part of this theft.

“This is deeply saddening indeed and I will ensure that the contract with this service provider is cancelled immediately,” said mayor Herman Mashaba in a statement.

The City indicated it was critical for its future that the rule of law was upheld.

“We need to root out corruption for the future of our own country and our children. The multiparty government in Johannesburg is determined to win the war against criminality that was allowed to manifest over many years on the previous ANC administration’s watch,” said Mashaba.

“I implore our residents and employees alike, to report any suspicious activity or corruption anonymously to the anti-corruption hotline on 0800 002 587. Together we can put an end to this ruthless looting of public money,” concluded Mashaba.

Details: City of Joburg 011 407 7557.

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