More incidents of diesel theft on farms have been reported in some parts of the country since diesel prices in South Africa increased by more than R7/litre in the first week of April, and Farmers are being warned to be more vigilant.
By Alani Janeke, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The fact that diesel has become very expensive in South Africa, especially since 1 April this year, has increased the risks of theft of this fuel, Jannie Strydom, CEO of Agri Western Cape, warned farmers at the organisation’s regional meeting at Philadelphia.
He said an increase in these thefts is already being experienced on farms in the province. Strydom told farmers that police officers, who also attended the meeting, confirmed they are receiving more complaints about these thefts and he warned farmers to be more vigilant.
In the Grabouw district, among others, one of Agri Western Cape’s members reported diesel theft from tanks. Considering fuel prices may rise again in May, more diesel thefts could occur.
Also read: Diesel price surge may trigger wider cost increases
Diesel Stolen From Tractors
Dr. Jane Buys, Free State Agriculture’s (FSA) safety risk analyst, said they received several complaints about diesel thefts, “ where diesel was stolen from tractors and tankers. There were also attempts in the Northern Free State to hijack two diesel tankers, but fortunately they were unsuccessful.”
FSA already warned in March that an increase in these thefts could occur. “There is a risk that this modus operandi could increase in the coming weeks and months,” she warned.
Previously, syndicates targeted Transnet’s pipelines on farms, especially along highways, to steal large quantities of fuel. The pipes were left as is after they were broken open, after which the fuel washed through fields, poisoning crops and soil.
These syndicates were armed and dangerous, and this situation increased the safety risks on the farms in question. Transnet had previously appointed security services to help deal with this situation.
According to Buys, they are not yet aware of an increase in these cases after the price increases.
Naudé Pienaar, general manager of Agri North West, said diesel theft on farms in this province has been a big problem for years, but an increase has not been reported in the past few weeks.
According to Coert Jordaan, chairperson of the Agri Eastern Cape safety committee, an increase in these thefts has not yet been reported there either.
Also read:
Fuel crisis: Farmers give expert tips to cut fuel costs
Fuel crisis threatens South Africa’s citrus export season
Free State Agriculture warns against diesel price manipulation amid global fuel tensions
