The Hawks in the North West arrested two men who allegedly wanted to steal diesel worth R480 000 on Saturday.
Capt. Tlangelani Rikhotso, spokesperson for the Hawks in the province, says in a media statement that several role players were involved in apprehending the 27- and 34-year-old suspects. In addition to the Hawks, criminal intelligence, the police’s flash patrol and dog units, as well as Transnet officials were also involved.
According to Rikhotso, the two were apparently caught stealing diesel from an underground pipeline near Rustenburg. “They allegedly pumped it from under the ground to a petrol tank. The two were arrested at the scene, but a third suspect escaped. “
The fuel tank and other equipment were seized. The suspects are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are also being charged with tampering with infrastructure, Rikhotso said.
