Suspect nabbed for eThekwini diesel theft
An estimated R78 000 a day was made from the sale of diesel allegedly stolen by the accused and his accomplices from the city. He was using four vehicles fitted with a 750-litre fuel tank and duplicated number plates to fill up around 15 times a day.
AN investigation is underway after eThekwini Municipality employees allegedly colluded with a private citizen to steal diesel, at the expense of the city and ratepayers.
According to the director of the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate, Jimmy Ngcobo, the accused was posing as a municipal employee to allow him free reign over the pumps, which would eventually earn him around R78 000 a day. He allegedly did rounds everyday filling diesel at over 15 petrol stations around the city.
“The culprit had four vehicles fitted with a 750-litre fuel tank at the base of each single cab van. The diesel was stored in these tanks and resold. Each vehicle generated about R78 000 a day,” said Ngcobo. He said the accused was caught red-handed, dressed in municipal uniform, while fraudulently filling diesel at one of the petrol stations where the city’s fleet refuel. The sting operation was conducted with assistance from the Metro Police and private company Reaction Unit South Africa.
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This was after the eThekwini Integrity and Investigations Directorate Unit received a tip-off from the City Fleet Directorate stating that there are municipal vehicles filling diesel more than 10 times a day. Ngcobo said a forensic investigation was launched and it found that a fuel master, belonging to the Water and Sanitation Directorate, was being used by privately owned cars.
“The fuel master being used was for a vehicle that has been stationary for a long time and is going to be disposed of. The suspect had duplicated the number plate and branding on the side of the car doors to make it look similar to other municipal cars.” He said that in this instance, municipal employees were working with external people to conduct fraud and corruption. “The municipality has suffered a great financial loss, which is why we are calling on various stakeholders to report fraud and corruption when they see it happening,” said Ngcobo as he called for organised crime to be dealt with severely.
The man was arrested and charged for fraud and corruption. He appeared in court and the matter was remanded until August. The public can report fraud and corruption by calling 0800 20 20 20 or send an email to ombuds@durban.gov.za.
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