Mpumalanga Police Clerk Summoned in Alleged Petrol Theft Case

A 39-year-old police administration clerk from Mpumalanga is set to appear in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on February 20, 2025, in connection with alleged petrol theft. The case involves fuel stolen from a vehicle held as an exhibit at the Grootvlei SAPS station in November 2022.

Details of the Case

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, confirmed the clerk’s involvement and said he would join three co-accused in the ongoing case:

• Sergeant John Nene (43)
• Constable Julie Manzana (35)
• William Mahlaba (51), a plumber from Dipaleseng Local Municipality

Sergeant Nene and William Mahlaba were previously released on bail, while Constable Manzana was summoned to court. The trial for the three accused is scheduled for July 29 and 30, 2025.

This case adds to growing concerns about petrol theft within government institutions.

In a separate incident in October 2024, two employees from Msunduzi Municipality were arrested for allegedly stealing fuel intended for official use. Investigations revealed that the employees obtained fuel under the guise of supporting service delivery but redirected it for personal gain.

The Msunduzi Municipality, with assistance from its Internal Investigation Unit, tracked down the suspects to Edendale, where they were caught transferring petrol from a municipal truck into a civilian van. Three external suspects were also apprehended at the scene.

Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi emphasized that the SAPS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, fraud, and theft. Similarly, Msunduzi Municipality reiterated its commitment to rooting out illegal activities, reinforcing their dedication to upholding transparency and accountability.

The public is keenly observing the proceedings, expecting accountability for mismanagement of resources in government institutions. Cases like these have sparked calls for stricter measures to prevent fuel theft and curb corruption within public sectors.

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