A concerning trend has emerged in recent months, with motorists refuelling at service stations and fleeing the premises without paying for fuel.
“These incidents are not only criminal in nature but also puzzling, given that most service stations − especially those located along major routes − are equipped with 24-hour CCTV surveillance systems,” says Willie Fryer, owner of the filling station in Ventersburg on the N1.
The most recent incident occurred on 23 July at AE Sulla Via in Ventersburg, where a motorist driving a GWM LDV or GWM Steed with Limpopo registration plates requested a full tank. When the petrol attendant asked how he would be paying, the driver replied by card. When the attendant walked off to fetch the card machine, the motorist sped off without paying.
Fryer says this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at this service station. A few months prior, a young man similarly filled up and drove off without payment. In both cases, thanks to the swift action of the station’s management and their strong working relationships with the police and local traffic authorities, the suspects were apprehended near Bloemfontein and returned to Ventersburg to face criminal charges.
“Despite attempts by the individuals involved to claim forgetfulness or offer payment after the fact, the law is clear: filling up at a service station and intentionally driving off without paying constitutes theft and fraud under South African law. In the previous case, the young man’s parents travelled from Mpumalanga in an attempt to have the matter settled out of court. However, the seriousness of the offence warranted full legal proceedings,” he says.
The suspect in the 23 July case is being held in the Ventersburg police’s holding cells, awaiting his court appearance. According to the police, this individual has a history of similar offences at other service stations.
According to Section 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the unlawful and intentional appropriation of property belonging to another is classified as theft. In cases like these, where the individual has no intention of returning to pay, it becomes prosecutable criminal conduct.
“Motorists are reminded that service stations on major routes are equipped with advanced surveillance technology. Footage is immediately shared with the police and traffic departments for quick response. Law enforcement also has the capability and surveillance available on most highway routes, which are being closely monitored.
“Law enforcement treats these incidents seriously and pursues prosecution without hesitation.
“The public is urged to treat service workers and businesses with respect and integrity. Petrol attendants provide an essential service, and stealing from them is not only a crime – it is an act of disrespect to the people who keep our country moving.”
Fryer says the management of AE Sulla Via Ventersburg extends their gratitude to police and local traffic authorities for their continued support and swift action. They remain committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all customers and staff.
