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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
How the illicit fuel trade is robbing SA of billions per year
Investigators have found some diesel tankers where the fuel had a paraffin content of 68%. The prevalence of illicit fuels in South Africa is a growing concern for the country's financial and consumer interests. Much like illicit alcohol and cigarettes, fuel products are smuggled, underreported and illegally manufactured or altered for criminal gain. The South African Revenue Service (Sars) reported that illicit fuels cost the fiscus roughly R3.6 billion per year, while police have identified 23 hotspots in three provinces. Illicit fuel trade Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are the hardest hit as syndicates operate in close proximity to Mozambique's capital. 'Over the past decade, countries along the Maputo corridor have become primary targets of the illicit fuel trade, which is driven by organised criminal networks that smuggle and illegally adulterate fuel,' stated Sars. Gathered intelligence led to search and seizure operations at fuel storage facilities and depots, where fuel viscosity and composition are tested in tankers. Sars state that common tactics involve importers declaring fuel by 20 to 30% or diluting fuels with harmful additives. 'Sars has also detected a national trend, where many of the fuel-storage and distribution depots are involved in the adulteration of all fuel products, especially through illegal mixing of diesel with paraffin.' 'In some cases, adulterated diesel – analysed in these investigations – had up to 68% paraffin content,' Sars said. Negative effects of paraffin In January 2024, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy found 70 fuel stations that were selling diesel adulterated with paraffin. Toyota South Africa Motors explained at the time that paraffin drastically deteriorates engine lubrication, as well as the cleaning of moving parts and the conditioning of seals. 'These components will fail with the repeated use of paraffin. Furthermore, the flashpoint of paraffin is lower than diesel, which could lead to engine knock, which can cause catastrophic engine failure,' said TSAM President and CEO Andrew Kirby. In the past four months, authorities have discovered just over 950 000 litres of contaminated diesel and assets worth R367 million. Authorities opened 13 criminal cases and impounded 12 transportation trucks carrying an average of 15 000 litres of falsely declared fuel upon import. Additionally, two washrooms — one of them mobile — were shut down. These washrooms are used to add chemicals to the fuel mix, which help to disguise illegal additives. Attack on society The multi-departmental operations include Sars' trade investigators, police, and the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure. Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter thanked authorities and warned criminals not to underestimate South Africa's resolve in clamping down on illicit trade. 'The criminal syndicates engaged in these brazen acts have become emboldened to act callously, with no restraint, in pursuit of their rapacious and criminal gains. 'These acts threaten the very foundation of our society. Our message is clear: we will spare no efforts to crush them,' the Commissioner concluded. NOW READ: JRA allocated just 1% of amount needed to fix Johannesburg's roads
The South African
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs target record-breaking star in explosive transfer move
Kaizer Chiefs target a record-breaking star in an explosive transfer move for next season. Amakhosi are not waiting for the dust to settle on the current campaign. The club has already launched an aggressive push to rebuild their squad, starting with a major focus on bolstering their attacking force. According to a source, Chiefs are going all-in on signing both strikers and creative midfielders, with a particular spotlight on Yanga SC's star midfielder, Stephane Aziz Ki. The Ivorian-born playmaker, widely regarded as one of the best talents in East African football, is back on Chiefs' radar after a previously failed attempt to bring him to Naturena. 'The team is having problems to sign another Tanzanian based midfielder in Feisal Salum and that's why they are believed to be reigniting their pursuit for Aziz Ki. You know both coach (Nasreddine) Nabi and (Cedric) Kaze know Aziz Ki very well and they apparently believe that he could help them next season. So, yes, Aziz Ki is back on Chiefs' radar for next season,' the source said. Chiefs aren't just focused on Aziz Ki. The technical team, led by head coach Nasreddine Nabi and assistant Cedric Kaze, is casting a wide net to find offensive reinforcements. The club has identified several attacking options, signaling a serious intent to solve their scoring woes. 'Aziz Ki is not the only attacking player they are looking at. There is Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu as well and another one (Athini Jodwana) from Durban City. They are doing all this because they believe that although they play well they are not very strong in attack. They feel if they can improve their attack they will score more and win a lot of games going forward. That's the plan right now,' the source stated. Stephane Aziz Ki isn't just a top talent—he's also Tanzania's highest-paid footballer, raking in R4.4 million annually (or R367,880 per month). The 28-year-old signed a lucrative two-year deal with Yanga SC in July, reportedly including a R7.3 million signing bonus. That price tag won't make the move easy. But Chiefs' technical leadership believes the investment could pay off, especially given Aziz Ki's proven playmaking abilities and established rapport with Nabi and Kaze. Kaizer Chiefs are clearly planning a strategic squad rebuild with an eye on dominance. By targeting proven talents like Aziz Ki and young stars such as Moremi and Jodwana, the club is positioning itself to correct its goal-scoring deficiencies and return to winning ways. Will Chiefs pull off the blockbuster signing of Stephane Aziz Ki? One thing is certain: Amakhosi are ready to spend big and aim higher next season. Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs target a record-breaking star in an explosive transfer move. Do Chiefs have the financial muscle to pull off such a costly Aziz Ki move? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
