Transnet pipeline fuel theft suspect returns to court next month
An undocumented Zimbabwean has been in custody since December 31, as his bail was opposed after he was arrested trying to flee when police came across him driving a truck hauling a fuel tanker.
A 44-year-old man is expected back in the Pretoria regional court on Tuesday, October 3, following his arrest in connection with the theft of fuel from the Transnet fuel pipeline between Waltloo and Kendal in Silverton.
This was according to national head of the directorate for priority crime investigation (Hawks), Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya’s update on September 4 of the first quarter progress report for the 2023/2024 financial year.
Lebeya said this was not 44-year-old Shady Mhlanga’s first appearance since his arrest on December 31 last year.
The arrest was actioned by Transnet officials, with the assistance of Bidvest security who had responded to suspected damage to essential infrastructure that later turned out to be fuel being siphoned off and stolen from the Transnet fuel pipeline in Silverton.
Colonel Philani Nkwalase said a leak was detected between Waltloo and Kendal in Silverton, when fuel pressure had dropped in the area.
“Upon searching for the spot where the fuel pressure was dropping, they came across the Mercedes-Benz truck on the road in Silverton hauling a leaking fuel tanker.
“Attempts were made to stop the truck and when it eventually stopped, the driver jumped off to hide in an effort to evade arrest.”
Nkwalase said the driver was however tracked down and arrested.
He said the truck valued at R602 000 was seized when the driver failed to explain where he got the fuel from.
“Mhlanga, an undocumented Zimbabwean, remained in custody as his bail was successfully opposed. He will be back in the court.”
Mhlanga last appeared on June 27, when the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI), working in collaboration with the asset forfeiture unit of the National Prosecuting Authority had secured four preservation orders.
Nkwalase said the orders, worth a combined value of R1.9 million, emanated from unrelated cases in terms of Section 38 (2) of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.
“The PCSI in Gauteng has successfully secured a preservation order awarded by the Pretoria High Court on May 31. The order was against a truck that was found at the break of dawn on December 31, 2022 near Silverton, hauling a tanker with fuel suspected to have been stolen from a Transnet fuel pipeline,” a statement read at the time.
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