Police arrested two men in connection with diesel theft after they were caught skipping a red light.
The suspects, who identified themselves as Zimbabwean nationals, were arrested on Thursday afternoon in Mandela Street, Witbank.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Thulisile Magagula said teams were patrolling when a white Mahindra bakkie sped through a red traffic light.
“Upon intercepting and searching the vehicle, officers discovered 48 25-litre containers filled with diesel – totaling roughly 1,200 litres with an estimated value of R30,000,” she added.
Magagula said the duo was unable to produce valid documentation or give a plausible explanation for the fuel.
She said both men were arrested and taken to Witbank SAPS.
Magagula added that apart from theft of diesel, they could face additional charges as the investigation unfolds.
Additionally, authorities confiscated the Mahindra bakkie, estimated at R80,000.
The suspects are expected to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court in due course.
In a related incident earlier this week in Mpumalanga, two suspects were apprehended with over R120,000 worth of stolen diesel and are set to appear in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court shortly.
The arrests were made following a joint operation conducted by the Delmas Crime Prevention Unit alongside the Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Team.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, officers intercepted a truck carrying approximately 4,500 litres of fuel. “The diesel is valued at approximately R126,000,” stated Masondo.
Detailing the incident, Masondo added: “On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at about 10.50pm, while members were conducting patrols on the N12 near Arbor towards Delmas, they spotted a white truck with a tanker, being escorted by a grey Toyota Fortuner. The members became suspicious and attempted to intercept both vehicles.”
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