GAUTENG – Two individuals, aged between 25 and 35, are set to appear in the Nigel Magistrates’ court this morning. They were arrested by the East Rand based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, in collaboration with Bidvest Protea Coin Security, on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Jameson Park. According to a new release by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the arrest occurred after a security officer received a tip about a potential fuel theft operation near a pipeline in Jameson Park.

According to a news release by South Africa Police Service, in the early morning of Monday, October 23, a patroller identified a suspicious tanker near the fuel pipeline. The first suspect noticed the patrolling officers and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly after. The second suspect was also arrested not far from the tanker.

Upon closer inspection, authorities discovered that a valve had been opened and pipes had been fitted to siphon fuel into the tanker. Both suspects will be facing charges for tampering with essential infrastructure.