The agricultural organisation TLU SA expresses its deep concern over the widespread and increasing illegal diesel trade in South Africa. Recent incidents across various regions highlight the scale of this problem, which involves a complex network of fraud and crime. This is not merely a local issue but a nationwide threat, particularly along routes heavily used by freight vehicles as corridors to borders and ports.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe extent of this illegal trade is astonishing,\u201d says Erika Helm, Chairperson of TLU SA\u2019s Local Government Committee. \u201cTruck drivers often sell diesel, without the owner’s knowledge, to roadside traders, often at 24-hour truck stops. Because only small quantities of diesel (20 to 40 litres) are stolen per transaction, it is difficult for owners to trace the losses later. The economic impact is enormous \u2014 not only do farmers and transport companies suffer significant losses, but the state also forfeits valuable tax revenue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is alarming that the South African Police Service (SAPS), Petroleum SA, and SARS pay little or no attention to these illegal activities in many areas. Corruption and a lack of action further contribute to the lawlessness, with allegations that some SAPS members are even involved in the trade. This situation leaves farmers and transport operators powerless in the face of a growing crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
The public plays a crucial role in combating this crime. TLU SA believes farmers and businesses must remain vigilant and watch for signs of suspicious activity, such as unmarked trucks. Stricter control measures, including the use of seals, specialised valves, and advanced tracking systems, could help curb this illegal trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cDrums of stolen diesel are cleverly hidden along roadsides, requiring constant monitoring to detect these activities. In some cases, traders have been found digging holes in road reserves to conceal the drums,\u201d Helm concludes.<\/p>\n
TLU SA holds Police Minister Senzo Mchunu accountable for tackling this crime. It is unacceptable for taxpayers, already burdened with high taxes, to suffer further while this illegal trade continues. These practices undermine the economy, place additional strain on legitimate businesses, and threaten to destabilise the country. This issue cannot be ignored any longer \u2014 the economic and social consequences are simply too severe. It is time for those responsible to be held accountable.<\/p>\n
TLU SA remains committed to protecting farmers\u2019 rights and promoting a fair and lawful environment for all South Africans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The agricultural organisation TLU SA expresses its deep concern over the widespread and increasing illegal diesel trade in South Africa. Recent incidents across various regions highlight the scale of this problem, which involves a complex network of fraud and crime. This is not merely a local issue but a nationwide threat, particularly along routes heavily […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3514756,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3514759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news-english"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t