MEYERTON – Eleven suspects aged 27 to 46 years old have been arrested at a Meyerton fuel plant in Gauteng for theft of fuel, using two fuel tankers.

Members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section received intelligence about a robbery that was to occur at this specific fuel plant on Sunday 10 May. The information was operationalised and the area was placed under surveillance.

During surveillance, two tankers were seen entering the premises which preliminary investigation found had been placed under administration. Preliminary investigation also suggests that the two security personnel guarding the premises might be in cahoots with the nine suspects arrested, and they were also taken into custody.

According to Hawks national spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, those arrested include South African citizens, as well as foreigners.

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Authorities say the group was intercepted before diesel could be moved from the site.

Arrests were made by members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Hawks’ Non Ferrous Section Headquarters, Vaal Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, Bidvest Protea Coin Tactical Unit and Bidvest Protea Coin Airwing.

The suspects will appear in court soon, and the investigation continues.