Witbank SAPS is investigating a growing trend of diesel theft after two separate incidents in recent days.

According to the police, in the latest case, three men were spotted moving 25 litres of diesel. When approached, they fled in different directions. One was arrested, while two remain on the run.

This follows an earlier arrest on the night of August 13 on Mandela Street, where two men were caught transporting 1 200 litres of suspected stolen diesel.

According to the police, the Anti-Hijacking Task Team, Middelburg Flying Squad and Middelburg K9 Unit noticed a white Mahindra bakkie speeding and skipping a red traffic light that night. Officers stopped the vehicle and, upon searching it, found 48 containers, each carrying 25 litres of diesel.

They confirmed that the total haul was valued at approximately R30 000.

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“We are appealing to members of the community to refrain from buying diesel when they don’t know where it comes from. If we find you with stolen diesel, we will charge you with possession of stolen diesel.If you take the police to the supplier of the stolen diesel, they will also be charged with theft of diesel,” said the Witbank SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer David Ratau.

He further urged motorists not to allow their clients to send them to collect diesel without valid proof of ownership, stressing that it could land them on the wrong side of the law.

Police investigations are underway to determine whether the incidents are linked and to track down the suspects still at large.

Two men were arrested after being found in possession of about R30 000 worth of suspected stolen diesel in eMalahleni. Read more here: https://t.co/2XpoIYmIB4#witbanknews #witbank #localnews pic.twitter.com/tgMd22rByq

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) August 14, 2026

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