Transnet SOC Ltd welcomes arrests made in connection with theft of petroleum products and rail equipment. These arrests were achieved through a joint security operation between Transnet and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (“Hawks”), National Intelligence and SAPS. An arrest connected to a petroleum theft incident between the Kendal and Witbank pipeline took place earlier this week. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities also made arrests connected to the theft of Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) rail equipment, including electrical wires, contact wire and droppers, rail, signal rods and rail chairs. Theft of rail equipment results in train derailments, causing a huge disruption in the transportation of goods across the country’s rail network system.
The Hawks have made several significant arrests in the past few months in relation to this tempering with essential infrastructure and theft of petrol from several pipelines around the country. Most of these suspects have appeared in court and their cases remanded as the investigations continue. We continue to appeal to residents or any persons living near the pipelines or railway lines to report any suspicious activities.
The toll free number to report incidents on the pipeline 0800 203 843 The toll free number for Transnet’s Fraud hotline is 0800 000 3056