The Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) arrested a city employee on Thursday after he was caught stealing diesel at the Tshwane Bus Services’ (TBS) C. de Wet depot.

According to a press release, the employee’s suspicious behaviour was monitored for a few days before TMPD officers caught him red handed with 100 litres of diesel drained from the buses.

The suspect has been formally charged and is being detained at the Pretoria Central Police Station.

“The City of Tshwane would like to condemn the employee’s behaviour and applaud TMPD officers for their exceptional operation in ensuring that the alleged criminal was apprehended.

“The city will not tolerate such acts of crime from any of its personnel, especially following the city’s recent fuel shortage that affected TBS operations,” stated the press release.

It added that the TMPD believes there is a connection between this incident and the fuel shortages the city has been experiencing recently.

They hope that further investigations will unearth more evidence and identify other suspects.

“We wish to warn those who are involved or planning to steal from the city that they will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted,” concluded the press release.