In a coordinated sting operation on Sunday morning, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (better known as the Hawks) dismantled a fuel theft syndicate operating at a local fuel plant.
The operation, which involved multiple specialized units, resulted in the arrest of eleven suspects ranging in age from 27 to 46.
The operation
The arrests were the culmination of an intelligence-led investigation. Following reports of a planned robbery, members of the Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) placed the Meyerton facility under surveillance.
During the stakeout, officers observed two fuel tankers entering the premises. According to preliminary reports, the plant had been placed under administration, making the presence of the tankers highly suspicious.
A massive joint effort
While TOMS spearheaded the operation, the scale of the bust required significant reinforcement. The multi-disciplinary team included the Hawks' Non-Ferrous Section Headquarters, the Vaal Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and the Bidvest Protea Coin Tactical Unit and Airwing.
Inside job suspected
The investigation has uncovered a potential breach of trust within the facility's security. Authorities suggest that the security personnel guarding the premises might be in cahoots with the suspects. It is currently believed that nine of the individuals arrested were directly aided by those meant to be protecting the site.
What's next?
The crime scene remained active throughout the morning as investigators processed evidence. The eleven suspects are expected to face charges related to the theft of fuel and are scheduled to appear in court shortly.