Free State fuel theft investigated by Hawks after pipe tampering

 The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) on Wednesday said they were investigating a case of fuel theft at the Transnet fuel pipeline on the road to Koppies Dam, in Bloemfontein.

“The suspects drilled their way into the pipeline, which passes through the grounds and funnelled fuel via a three metre pipe which was covered with grass. The fuel was then allegedly pumped into the trucks,” spokesperson Warrant Officer Lynda Steyn said. 

“It is yet unclear how many litres of fuel was stolen. It, however, appears that the stealing and tempering has been taking place for quite some time.”

Steyn said the Hawks and local criminal record centre were investigating the matter and were urging members of the public to contact the police.

There has been reports of tampering to fuel lines especially in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State just to name a few and investigations are ongoing, Steyn said.

  – African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Devereaux Morkel