Transnet Pipelines welcomed the convictions of two fuel thieves who were each sentenced to cumulative 30 years in prison by Newcastle District Court on Monday.
The defendants were each sentenced to 15 years for tampering with critical infrastructure and an additional 15 years for fuel theft.
The sentence follows arrests made during a coordinated operation in July 2021 and on the morning of 20 July 2021, during which 39,000 liters of stolen crude oil was recovered from the scene.
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with oil theft at the Transnet pipeline near Newcastle's Carbochem factory.
A third suspect has a warrant out for his arrest and is currently on the run from authorities. Law enforcement is actively pursuing him. One of the suspects cooperated with the state and became a witness.
Fuel theft is a major concern for Transnet Pipelines and could have a negative economic impact if fuel theft continues to rise sharply.
Mr. Sibongiseni Kati said: “These convictions remind all criminals and criminal organizations that tampering with our nation's critical and essential infrastructure will not be tolerated and that those who tamper with it will be subject to the fullest powers of the law.'' We will continue to send a strong message that this will be enforced.” Transnet Pipelines' acting CEO said in a statement.
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