Diesel thieves caught in the act

HAZELMERE – Three men siphoning fuel from their company trucks were arrested, 200 litres of diesel and a bakkie used in the commission of a crime was recovered by members of RUSA. Reaction Officers patrolling the area requested additional backup after they noticed three (3) men siphoning fuel from three Mercedes Benz tip trucks that were parked in an isolated area in Hazelmere. Officers observed the drivers loading 25 litre drums into a white Isuzu bakkie.

RUSA Members approached the scene when the drivers fled on foot. The owner of the Isuzu bakkie sped off but abandoned his vehicle after he reached a dead end. Reaction Officers pursued on foot and apprehended two suspects. A third suspect returned and handed himself over. The owner of the Isuzu bakkie is still at large.

During an interview, the driver informed Reaction Officers that they are stealing diesel on a weekly basis from January 2023. They also alleged that the owner of the Isuzu bakkie recruited multiple drivers from different companies to supply him with stolen diesel. The drivers are paid R300 per 25 litre drum. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Verulam SAPS for further investigation.