Four individuals apprehended for stealing fuel from Underground Transnet Pipeline: Thina Sonke case

Johannesburg – Four people have been detained on allegations of digging a hole, breaching a Transnet pipeline, and stealing fuel.

The Transnet pipeline traverses the Thina Sonke RDP housing scheme.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly referred to as the Hawks, revealed that following the arrest of the four suspects, aged from 25 to 70, they initiated further investigations.

Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha recounted the events leading up to the arrests on Wednesday, (5 February 2025).

“On Wednesday, (5 February 2025), at approximately 06:00 (6 am), security personnel from Protea Coin reported for duty,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Ramovha.

“They received a notification about a leak in the Transnet pipeline situated between Three Rivers, Vereeniging, and Alrode.

“During their patrol of the pipeline, they reached Thina Sonke and noted a strong smell of petrol in the area.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ramovha mentioned that after alerting the police, they scanned the vicinity and found a hole in the yard of a residence.

Police also discovered equipment, including a pipe, which was clearly used to siphon fuel from underground.

“Four suspects, two of whom were found in the yard where the hole was located, were apprehended at the scene,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ramovha.

Members of the Public Order Policing were called to the location after residents started to gather near the crime scene.

“Disaster management and firefighters were also present to address safety concerns and to assess whether the community needed to be evacuated,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Ramovha.

“Repairs to the pipeline are currently in progress.”

The detained suspects are scheduled to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s court on Friday, (7 February 2025).