Two suspects aged 28 and 39 were arrested by members of Fidelity Security Company on Thursday night, 21 January 2021 at Kendal near Phola.
The duo was arrested after Transnet control room detected a fuel pressure drop on the pipeline.
Security personnel responded to the identified spot and apprehended one suspect who attempted to run away.
The suspect had fresh burn marks all over his body.
There was also a big fire in the maize field nearby and upon inspection, they realized the flame was from the burning Transnet pipeline.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and local police were summoned to the scene for further investigation.
Following an intensive search, a second suspect who was also badly burnt was found hiding under the bridge.
Emergency services were summoned, and the two suspects were transported to the hospital under police guard.
All the exhibits which included a white Mazda bakkie, generator, and pieces of charred clothes were confiscated for further investigation.
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Phola Magistrate’s Court on Monday 25 January 2021 to face charges of malicious damage to property, tampering with essential infrastructure, and theft of fuel.
