Probe into Umvoti tanker blaze at ‘sensitive stage’
Investigation into massive fuel tanker blaze heats up
POLICE would neither confirm nor deny the existence of a third suspect in the ongoing investigation into the cause of a massive blaze at the Umvoti Ultra City last month.
According to a police source, surveillance footage captured a third suspect fleeing the scene seconds after the blaze broke out.
It is believed that on Sunday, 27 March, the suspects were attempting to siphon diesel from the tank of one truck into another using a small petrol-powered pump.
It is further believed the pump caused a spark which ignited a fire that eventually razed two fuel tankers, a smaller truck and a nearby home.
The drivers of both trucks, who had also fled the scene, were later arrested and charged with arson, attempted theft and malicious damage to property were released due to insufficient evidence.
KZN SAPS spokeswoman Lieutenant Nqobile Gwala on Tuesday declined to comment on the status of the investigation.
‘The case is still under investigation and no further arrests have been made,’ she said.
‘At this stage, we cannot reveal the merits of the case as investigations are at a sensitive stage.’
