eThekwini Municipality is facing a deepening crisis marked by rampant diesel theft, the rise of a so-called “tanker mafia,” and escalating sabotage of essential water and electricity infrastructure. These criminal activities have severely impacted service delivery and have even been linked to the murders of municipal employees.
In a strongly worded press release, Democratic Alliance (DA) eThekwini Executive Committee (EXCO) member Councillor Yogis Govender called for immediate intervention by national law enforcement agencies and intelligence-driven operations to dismantle what the party described as a “web of criminality” operating within and around the municipality.
A Web of Criminality and Loss of Life
According to the DA, the ongoing theft of diesel is not only financially devastating to the city but has also allegedly contributed to the murder of eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) employees. Media reports point to an elaborate criminal syndicate involving collusion between municipal staff, tanker drivers, and external criminals.
Investigations by the City Integrity and Investigations Directorate have led to several arrests. In one case, a man posing as a municipal employee was found fraudulently dispensing diesel into four vehicles equipped with large tanks used to resell the stolen fuel—generating as much as R78,000 daily. On 11 July 2025, a Water Services Directorate truck driver was arrested in Hammarsdale after being caught siphoning diesel at his home. He allegedly confessed to the crime, which cost the municipality nearly R900,000 over three months. Additional arrests of municipal employees involved in similar crimes have been reported.
The city has confirmed that diesel theft has been occurring for over two years and that the stolen fuel is being sold at discounted rates, resulting in massive financial losses.
The ‘Tanker Mafia’ and Infrastructure Sabotage
Alongside diesel theft, the municipality is battling the illegal water trade conducted by the so-called “tanker mafia.” Unmarked trucks have reportedly been selling municipal water to residents in supply-strapped areas, charging hundreds of rands for 5,000-litre loads of water that should be distributed free of charge.
Infrastructure sabotage is another serious concern. In September 2023, deliberate tampering with pipeline valves led to major water outages in Durban North. In July 2025, a substation explosion in Isiphingo—believed to have been caused by unlawful interference—resulted in two deaths. The Energy Management Directorate has since arrested suspects in Buffelsdraai for stealing electrical cables and streetlight poles worth nearly R100,000.
DA Demands Accountability
The DA has placed blame on City Manager Musa Mbhele, accusing him of inaction and mismanagement that have allowed criminal syndicates to operate unchecked. The party emphasized the need to protect municipal workers and restore reliable service delivery.
While the City has announced plans to equip water tankers with surveillance cameras and continues to conduct internal investigations, the DA insists these actions are too little, too late.
“There is no longer any room for excuses or inaction,” said Govender. “The people of eThekwini deserve far better.”
