TWO men, a Ward 96 committee member and an eThekwini Municipality water tanker driver, were arrested in Sawpits, Umbumbulu, for allegedly siphoning diesel from a municipal water tanker recently.

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The arrests follow an investigation by the city’s Integrity and Investigations Directorate, which had received several reports about municipal truck drivers offloading diesel at a private property in the area. The operation, led by the director of the unit, Jimmy Ngcobo, resulted in the discovery of multiple 25-litre containers filled with diesel at the scene. The fuel was allegedly being resold for R400 per container to a local truck owner.

“The culprits were found in a private house offloading diesel. It is clear that they have been frequenting this property. The containers were confiscated and handed over to the police for evidence,” said Ngcobo.

A criminal case of diesel theft was opened at the Umbumbulu police station. The suspects, who also allegedly attempted to bribe officials with R50 000, have since appeared in court.

Ngcobo commended the community for reporting the illegal activities.

“We are dealing with fraud and corruption activities, and we are in pursuit of other culprits. This is a clear misuse of municipal resources,” he said.

He confirmed that the suspects had previously been under investigation for allegedly selling water directly from municipal tankers.
The municipality has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on the abuse of public resources and continues to clamp down on corruption within its structures.

Members of the public are encouraged to report fraud and corruption by emailing ombuds@durban.gov.za or by calling 0800 20 20 20.

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