- Scale: 43 machines/vehicles stolen, including TLBs, excavators, pay loaders, rollers, tipper trucks, loader backhoes, graders, LDV double cabs, and truck cranes.
- Impact: These assets are essential for maintaining over 34,000 km of road networks and building new roads.
- Methods used by the syndicate:
- Hijacking departmental staff and construction workers.
- Stealing under cover of darkness.
- Using fake number plates.
- Impersonating mechanics or claiming official authorization to bypass security.
KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma highlighted the issue and appealed to the public for help in fighting the syndicate.
Recoveries and Actions
- Authorities have recovered 22 machines/vehicles worth about R45 million.
- 21 items valued at around R200 million remain missing.
- Recent arrests: Three suspects were detained in Eshowe by a joint team from the KZN Department of Transport security and the police Organised Crime Unit. A stolen grader was also recovered.
Duma noted improvements like better site security and tracking devices, but emphasized the need for community cooperation against this “ruthless criminal syndicate.”
