Truck driver loses R200k load to thieves after truck runs out of fuel

A TRUCK carrying a load valued at approximately R200 000 was recently targeted by criminals after it became stranded on the M7 when it ran out of fuel while travelling from Durban to Johannesburg. The driver was forced to wait overnight for fuel, which was only expected to arrive the following morning. Shortly after midnight, suspects stole the truck’s cargo, highlighting the risks associated with stopping in isolated areas.

The incident has prompted Pinetown SAPS to remind truck drivers and motorists that proper planning and vigilance remain essential in preventing crime. Commander of the Pinetown SAPS Property Crime Investigation Group, Captain Yvette Kleynhans, urged truck drivers to ensure they have sufficient fuel to safely reach their next secure stopping point. Kleynhans, together with her team comprising constables Philani Ndwalane, Gugu Duma, Lindokuhle Ntuli and Thabisile Sithole, investigates property-related crimes including house break-ins, burglaries at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor vehicles, and the use of motor vehicles without the owner’s consent.

The team has recorded a slight increase in these crimes within the Pinetown policing precinct. Areas identified as theft-from-motor-vehicle hotspots include Westmead, Kings, Underwood, Louis Walter and Josiah Gumede roads, the N3, M13 and M7 highways, Chancery Lane, Berkshire Drive, Schallenberg Street, Willow Crescent, Eastleigh Place, Francis Lane, and Rushbrook and Chapel streets. In one recent incident, suspects smashed a vehicle window and stole cellphones, laptops, tyres and batteries.

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Motor vehicle theft also remains a concern, with Kings, Hagart and Josiah Gumede, Nipper, Harvey, Posselt, Manchester, Wilshire, Albert, Franz Volek and Kruger roads, Robertson Avenue, St John’s Avenue and Payne Street identified as priority areas. Utility bakkies, hatchbacks and mini-SUVs remain the most commonly targeted vehicles.

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