The Vrede Regional Court has handed a seven-year prison sentence to Zimbabwean national Shepard Vareni (38) for damage to essential infrastructure and another seven years for the theft of crude oil. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

Vareni was also fined R5 000 or three months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The sentencing follows an incident on 25 September 2023, when security personnel responded to an alert of suspected crude oil theft on a farm near Memel. Working with local police, the security team pursued two suspects, arresting both and recovering two vehicles believed to have been used in the crime.

Investigations revealed that the men had tampered with a Transnet pipeline, siphoning off crude oil and causing substantial damage to critical national infrastructure. The incident forms part of a broader pattern of attacks on strategic assets that continue to hinder South Africa’s energy security.

Vareni remained in custody throughout the legal process until his sentencing on 17 November. His co-accused, fellow Zimbabwean Felix Magatu (43), will stand trial on 19 and 20 January 2026, also in the Vrede Regional Court.

Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, head of the Hawks in the Free State, welcomed the sentence, praising the investigating officer for meticulous and dedicated work that ensured accountability.

The case underscores the persistent challenge posed by pipeline sabotage and fuel theft, crimes that not only result in major financial losses but also threaten the integrity of South Africa’s energy supply network.

Authorities say the successful conviction sends a clear message that offences targeting essential infrastructure will be met with firm legal consequences.

Source – New Zimbabwe