A five-man gang has been arrested for stealing fuel from the Feruka pipeline, an operation that was uncovered during a ceremony recognizing over 40 detectives for their work in apprehending dangerous criminals.
As reported by The Herald, detectives from various Criminal Investigations Department (CID) units, including Homicide and teams from Bulawayo, Norton, and Marondera, were involved in the operation.
Between January and March 2024, reports emerged of criminals digging one-square-metre pits to illegally access the Feruka pipeline, resulting in substantial fuel theft and damage. The 287-kilometre-long pipeline, which runs from Beira in Mozambique to Mutare in Zimbabwe, is vital for supplying energy to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Congolese region of Katanga.
The investigation revealed the involvement of an international criminal syndicate, echoing similar fuel thefts in South Africa in 2022, where millions of litres were stolen.
The Marondera team revisited the crime scenes and identified key evidence that had been overlooked earlier. Despite initial setbacks, the detectives conducted thorough surveillance and worked closely with informants to gather intelligence. According to the citation read during the ceremony:
“On 17 March 2024, the team received a tip-off about further damage to the pipeline. Though they arrived at the scene after the suspects had fled, they continued their investigation using various criminal analysis tools, surveillance techniques, and a strong network of informants. Their persistence led to the capture of five suspects in Harare, while three others escaped to South Africa.”
The investigation was promptly shared with border control and Interpol teams to track down the fugitives. Efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The detectives’ hard work led to the recovery of 96,620 litres of stolen fuel, valued at around US$144,930. Their dedication not only prevented further economic damage but also safeguarded the Feruka pipeline, a critical asset for Zimbabwe’s energy sector.
Through their relentless efforts, the detectives successfully dismantled a dangerous criminal syndicate, preventing further harm to the country’s economy.
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