A major fuel theft operation was disrupted on Saturday, 24 January, when a suspicious vehicle was intercepted on the Bloekomspruit gravel road outside Balfour.
At approximately 14:00, a SAPS Balfour patrol vehicle noticed a suspicious car travelling towards Balfour. Upon further observation, a second vehicle, an 8-ton truck fitted with two large plastic JoJo tanks, was seen travelling in coordination with the first vehicle.
Authorities were immediately alerted, and a chase ensued.
During the operation, three suspects managed to flee the scene on foot, while one male suspect was successfully apprehended. The truck was recovered and found to be loaded with approximately 10,000 litres of fuel, believed to have been stolen from a fuel pipeline in the area.
The recovered vehicle and fuel are now part of an ongoing investigation, and further arrests are expected as authorities continue to track down the remaining suspects.
The successful operation was the result of strong cooperation between multiple role players, including:
SAPS Balfour
Balfour Farmers Union
Delport Securitas
Authorities have praised the swift response and teamwork that led to the recovery of the stolen fuel and the arrest of one suspect.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity, especially along rural roads and near critical infrastructure such as fuel pipelines.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat of organised fuel theft in the region and the importance of community and law enforcement collaboration in combating crime.
Balfour Herald
Fuel Theft Syndicate Disrupted Near Balfourhttps://t.co/Y9ay7tSJGx#ArriveAlive #Crime #FuelTheft #BalfourHerald pic.twitter.com/CW7XhEXcUc
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 25, 2026
