Transport department employee nabbed in Empangeni

KZN Department of Transport nabs Empangeni employee, vows to crack down on criminal activity, delaying critical infrastructure projects

June 27, 2026

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

Transport department nabs employee following investigation which began last year

A KZN Transport Department employee in Empangeni has been arrested in connection with diesel theft.

It is reported that the employee, working in the mechanical division, is linked to fuel theft amounting to more than R300 000 a month.

The department said this is part of an ongoing investigation to root out criminal activity.

“We salute our honest transport officer and our specialised security team of investigators for working diligently with the South African Police Service to ensure the arrest of this dishonest employee,” said MEC Siboniso Duma.

“We will do the same with many more others, including security and members of syndicates who are being investigated. There are other civil servants in various government departments, including those that are abusing state vehicles.”

Shortage of diesel

Duma said many critical road construction and maintenance projects across the province have collapsed because of the shortage of diesel caused by this criminal syndicate.

He warned that there will be severe consequences against those involved in the abuse of state vehicles and state assets.

“We reported months ago about a R177 million road rehabilitation project on in Bergville under the Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

“A contractor was robbed of 300 litres of diesel by gun-wielding members of the construction mafia.

“Last week, we published a statement following the arrest of three criminals in connection with the theft of 43 pieces of heavy construction equipment,” the MEC stated.

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