An operation by multidisciplinary team comprised of the Middelburg Flying Squad, Middelburg Organised Crime, Nkangala District Task Team as well as Department of Environmental Affairs, Tracker Connect and Bidvest Security managed to recover 2 187 litres of suspected stolen diesel in Ogies yesterday, Thursday, March 21.

The team was assembled after a follow-up on theft of coal in one of the Middelburg mines in February this year (2024) was reported.

When members were busy with a follow up on the information, three light delivery vehicles, as well as two Isuzu bakkie and one Nissan NP200 bakkie, were found fully loaded with containers filled with diesel.

All drivers could not produce the proof of purchase, hence they were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, illegal dealing in diesel and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Their vehicles, and a generator as well as diesel pumping pipes were seized for further investigation.

All suspects are expected to appear at the Ogies Magistrate’s Court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended the joint forces for the job well done.