A MEMBER of what is believed to be a diesel theft gang has been arrested in Richards Bay.
In the early hours of last Tuesday, a wide-awake security guard observed men carrying empty plastic containers outside a business in Alton.
He quickly summoned the Richards Bay SAPS, as he believed they were on their way to siphon diesel out of some trucks parked nearby.
The suspects fled as police arrived on scene but one was soon arrested after a short chase.
Richards Bay SAPS spokeswoman Captain Debbie Ferreira confirmed he was found in possession of a brand new 9mm pistol, the serial number of which was filed off.
He was also carrying several empty containers.
Sources close to the operation say the arrested suspect is a regular offender who is well known to SAPS members.
‘He is a syndicate leader of the robbery and theft gangs that have been plaguing Empangeni and Richards Bay in recent months,’ the source said.
It is suspected the man or his colleagues were involved in the diesel robbery at the N2 construction site last week, during which one security guard was killed and another critically wounded.
Captain Ferreira dismissed this as speculation, saying a full investigation would be conducted before conclusions could be drawn.
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