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Following the massive fire and environmental damage at Horseshoe Road in Clairwood on Sunday,
31 October 2021, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has reiterated its concern
regarding the persisting tempering with the Transnet pipeline to steal petrol and diesel. The fire, which
led to the death of three people, damage to property and environmental harm, is alleged to have been
caused by people who had tempered with the pipeline to steal fuel.

‘We commend the eThekwini Disaster Management Department, the South African Police Service and
the eThekwini Fire Department for their sterling and speedy response to quell the fire. We also commend
the Transnet Pipelines National Operations Centre for immediately activating its emergency response
plan,’ said Mr Muzi Mkhize, Regulator Member Primarily Responsible for Petroleum Pipelines Regulation
at NERSA.

Mr Mkhize further pleaded with municipalities and landowners on which critical infrastructure traverses
to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent encroachment on servitudes. ‘Authorities and
structures concerned need to earnestly prevent the destruction of public and valuable infrastructure as
this results in dire consequences for the country that is trying to recover from the economic slump
exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.’ Mr Mkhize visited the area on Monday, 1 November 2021.
 

Issued by NERSA