Hawks caught three people allegedly tampering with a Transnet fuel pipeline in Bronkhorstspruit.
The suspects aged 26, 31 and 35 were charged to court and are expected to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
They are facing charges of attempted theft of fuel and tampering with infrastructure.
Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the trio were caught while trying to steal fuel from the Transnet fuel pipeline on Saturday evening.
“The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit responded swiftly to the information received for further investigation,” Mogale said.
On sighting the authorities, the suspects fled the scene.
However, one of the suspects was apprehended by a security personnel.
A sting operation at the pipeline led to the arrest of two more suspects in the early hours of Sunday.
They were arrested in a black Corsa bakkie. The two suspects were planning to rescue their accomplice before the arrest.
“Among other items seized, police confiscated the bakkie used in the commission of the crime, a generator, heavy-duty drill, grinder, chisels and a welding machine.”
“The investigation continues,” Mogale said.
