PIPELINE PETROL HEIST

30,000 litres stolen in late-night fuel theft

Rustenburg – A major fuel-theft incident took place on Wednesday evening, 5 November 2025, when criminals siphoned an estimated 30,000 litres of petrol from the Tarlton–Rustenburg pipeline.

According to Charl Visser, owner of Buffel Sekuriteit and member of Kroondal Plaaswag, a pressure drop was detected at approximately 23:00. The illegal tap-off point was found just before the Sugarbush Hill turn-off (Rietfontein, Rustenburg), where suspects had cut into the underground pipeline. 

A case has been opened with Marikana SAPS by Bidvest, the company responsible for safeguarding that section of the line. Visser confirmed that no photographs were taken due to the active nature of the investigation. The Hawks later confirmed that the Rustenburg Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is handling the matter.

24-Hour Repair Completed After Illegal Tap-Off
In response to an enquiry from Platinum Weekly, Transnet Pipelines confirmed the fuel theft, stating that the crime occurred in Rietfontein, near Buffelspoort.

Transnet’s security teams, along with SAPS, discovered a freshly excavated illegal connection attached by unknown suspects. The fitting was removed, and the damaged section of pipeline was repaired within 24 hours. No arrests have been made.

Transnet added: “A case of tampering with essential infrastructure has been opened with the Marikana SAPS. TPL continues to work closely with law-enforcement agencies to combat fuel theft and safeguard our national infrastructure.”

Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
Fuel theft from national pipelines poses enormous risks to community safety, the environment, and the country’s energy supply. Transnet has urged residents to report any suspicious digging, tanker activity, or unknown vehicles near pipeline routes.

Transnet Tip-Offs 
Anonymous Hotline: 
0800 003 056

Transnet Pipelines operates over 3,114 km of high-pressure petroleum and gas pipelines across South Africa, transporting an average of 16 billion litres of fuel per year.