THE man believed to be responsible for the explosion at the Umvoti petrol station in March was denied bail on Friday, 20 May, thanks to the investigative work of Brighton Beach SAPS detective, Warrant Officer Gerhard Grobler.
Sadek Haniff from Chatsworth, who had appeared in court earlier in the month only to have more charges added to his case, was denied bail because it is believed he may commit further offences.
Video footage at the Umvoti Shell Ultra City on 27 March shows Haniff allegedly arrive in a truck registered to his wife’s company. The surveillance shows him decant fuel, then running away when a fire starts. He suffered burns to his body following the incident, which caused about R7-million in damage to fuel tankers and about R15-million in damage to the station, toll plaza and surrounding homes.
Brighton Beach SAPS media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux said the forensic fire scene investigator determined the cause of the inferno was from an ‘unlawful human act or behaviour’.
Haniff also has charges of theft of fuel against him in Kwadukuza and was out on bail for the theft of 2,000 litres of fuel in Amanzimtoti in 2015, for which he failed to make a court appearance.
His dangerous procedure to decant fuel tankers and steal fuel pose a danger to people and property, according to lead detective, W/O Grobler. He told the court he opposed bail for Haniff because the charges against him were serious, prevalent and widespread. He said the sale of the stolen fuel had a negative economic impact on companies and the general public and affected fuel prices and demand.
According to W/O Grobler, Haniff’s past conduct shows he is likely to commit a schedule one offence if released on bail, citing his previous convictions and pending case. He added that the witnesses to the offences were known to Haniff and hence there was the potential for undue influence or intimidation.
“W/O Grobler has once again proven his skills and level of competency in presenting an opposition bail affidavit to ensure society does not lose faith in our justice system,” said Capt Le Roux.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
