A private truck and tanker repeatedly caught drawing municipal water illegally from a local fire hydrant were intercepted last week.

The truck used to flush open sewerage drains, connected directly to the potable water system via the hydrant.

The investigation revealed a significant public health risk: the water was used to flush open sewerage drains, meaning the same tanker used for polluted sewage work was connecting directly to the drinkable water system via the hydrant.

For several weeks, the truck was routinely spotted at the entrance to the Riverview area, siphoning water from a municipal fire hydrant and managing to evade Emalahleni Law Enforcement on multiple occasions.

On Monday, November 24, a resident alerted Ward 20 councillor, Maureen Scheepers, that the same truck was on site and actively filling up from the hydrant.

“I immediately drove to Riverview and notified Law Enforcement officers. Upon arrival, I found the truck as the operators were disconnecting the pipe. The vehicle then made a U-turn and left the area. I followed the truck while continuously updating Law Enforcement on our location until officers joined the pursuit in the CBD and pulled the truck over,” Scheepers explained.

The truck was escorted to the Community Services Building for investigation. During questioning, the drivers admitted that they had been filling the tanker at this hydrant daily.

“Law enforcement instructed the driver to call the owner of the business. To my surprise, a municipal employee arrived to represent the company,” Scheepers said.

A fine for tampering with municipal infrastructure was issued to the owner of the vehicle.

“No one is above the law, especially not municipal employees who know better. I am thankful for the swift action taken by Law Enforcement and the Environmental Department. Thank you to the vigilant community member who reported the suspicious behaviour. If you see something, say something,” Scheepers said.

The municipality was asked for comment on the matter as it is alleged that the owner of the truck works for the municipality, but did not comment by the time going to press.

Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram or TikTok

Chat to us: info@witbanknews.co.za