Cape Town petrol theft: Motorist caught on camera speeding away
Driver leaves without paying for his fuel.
Image: Facebook
Police are investigating a case of theft after a motorist allegedly filled up his black Ford Fiesta with R800 worth of petrol in Gatesville on Sunday and then left without paying.
With petrol prices going up on Wednesday, the suspect thought he would one-up the system.
But he was caught on camera and in a video that has gone viral on social media.
The video shows the petrol attendant filling up the car at the petrol pump, and as he makes his way to the driver’s side, the car takes off.
According to reports online, the attendant apparently then picked up a stone and smashed in one of the car’s windows.
On top of having to deal with the damage to his vehicle, the driver is now also being investigated by police.
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed a case of theft is under investigation at Manenberg SAPS.
“A theft case was opened at Manenberg SAPS following an incident on Sunday afternoon at a petrol station where a motorist filled his tank with petrol worth R800 and then drove away without paying. Investigation continues, no arrest,” said Van Wyk.
The Cape Argus sister publication, Daily Voice reached out to Engen’s external communication manager Gavin Smith, who told us: “Engen is aware of the matter and is currently looking into it. We take incidents of this nature seriously and are working with the relevant parties to establish the facts.”
In a twist, it is allegedly not the suspect's first rodeo.
Engen Simon’s Auto Centre in Goodwood took to Facebook last week and reportedly identified the same vehicle in the same crime.
They wrote: “This morning, just after midnight, we had a villain with a black Ford put R500.15 ULP95 into his vehicle.
“As the attendant walked away to get the speed point, he drove off. If you know this individual, please tell him to come and pay for his fuel before COB (close of business) today, or we’ll lay a charge of theft against him.”