A logistics company employee who stole more than 24 000 litres of diesel from a Transnet tanker has been sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment by the Nigel Magistrate’s Court.

Sizwe Johannes Bhengu was found guilty of theft after investigations revealed he unlawfully removed approximately 24 079 litres of diesel valued at more than R544 000 from a tanker he was driving on 27 August 2022.

Bhengu, who worked for a logistics company contracted to transport diesel recovered from a spill site in Mooi River. Kwazulu-Natal, was arrested at Transnet Pipelines’ Jameson Park Depot when routine verification processes detected significant discrepancies between the volume loaded and the volume delivered.

The investigation, led by Captain Radebe of the Hawks with support from the Transnet Pipelines Security Team, established that the diesel had been removed from the tanker before it arrived at the depot.

Following his conviction, the court declared Bhengu unfit to possess a firearm. He did not lodge an appeal and accepted the court’s judgement.

Transnet Pipelines chief executive Sibongiseni Khathi said the conviction sends a strong message that fuel theft is a serious offence that will not go unpunished.

“This successful prosecution reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Transnet’s assets and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct occurs. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those who target our infrastructure face the full consequences of the law,” Khathi said.

Fuel theft remains a significant problem for Transnet Pipelines, with criminals often targeting infrastructure and transport vehicles.

The parastatal has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities along pipeline servitudes through the Tip-Offs Anonymous Hotline on 0800 003 056.