Wash Plant Uncovered Outside Potchefstroom As Authorities Crack Down on Illicit Fuel Network
- A suspected illegal fuel operation has been discovered on a farm outside Potchefstroom in the North West
- Criminals were allegedly stripping chemical markers from paraffin to pass it off as diesel
- Fuel adulteration of this kind costs the South African fiscus an estimated R3.6 billion per year and produces a toxic, low-quality product
- Briefly News spoke to mechanic Yusuf Mohammed on how washed-down fuel can damage a car's engine
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Source: Getty Images
NORTH WEST, POTCHEFSTROOM - Authorities uncovered a suspected illicit fuel operation on a farm outside Potchefstroom in the North West. Criminals were allegedly running a wash plant to remove chemical markers from illuminating paraffin and convert it into fake diesel.
The discovery forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal fuel networks operating across South Africa, which have become sophisticated and damaging to both the economy and ordinary consumers.
What is a fuel wash plant?
An illegal fuel wash plant works by chemically stripping the red or yellow dye markers that the law requires to be present in illuminating paraffin.
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Paraffin is taxed at a much lower rate than diesel, making it far cheaper to buy. Criminal syndicates exploit this price difference by buying paraffin in bulk and removing its identifying markers through an acid and filtration process.
They then sell the treated product as diesel at a profit. The result is a contaminated, low-quality fuel that consumers and businesses unknowingly put into their vehicles and machinery.
This adulterated fuel can clog fuel systems, damage engines, and cause mechanical failures over time.
According to the South African Revenue Service, fuel adulteration costs the country around R3.6 billion in lost tax revenue every year.
SARS has also established that some importers are declaring far less fuel than they actually bring into the country.
How big is the problem nationally
SARS and SAPS have been working together through NATJOINTS to tackle illicit fuel networks across Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
In one set of recent operations, authorities detained more than 953 000 litres of contaminated diesel, shut down six fuel depots operating in breach of customs and excise laws, and seized assets and fuel worth over R367 million.
Two wash plants were also found, including one mounted on a mobile transport truck, which made it harder for authorities to track.
Twelve fuel transport trucks were flagged for suspected false declarations on fuel imports, and 13 criminal cases were opened as a result of the operations.
The Potchefstroom discovery adds another location to a growing map of illegal operations, and investigators believe organised criminal networks are behind much of the activity.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has previously warned that the syndicates involved have become bolder.
Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, mechanic Yusuf Mohammed discussed why poor-quality fuel is a problem:
"Washed-down or contaminated fuel doesn't burn the way it should. It can cause the engine to run poorly or even stop working. It can damage important parts like the fuel injectors and fuel pump, leading to expensive repairs. If you notice your car struggling after filling up, it's best to have it checked as soon as possible."
Briefly News also spoke to financial expert Farook Mohammed on what people should do if they are struggling to keep up with rising fuel costs. He said:
"If fuel costs are putting pressure on your budget, the first step is to look at where you can reduce unnecessary driving and combine trips where possible. Carpooling, using public transport when practical and reviewing your monthly budget can also help. Making a few small changes is often more effective than relying on credit to cover fuel expenses."
Source: Getty Images
More on fuel and cost in SA
South African motorists are paying R28.06 per litre for 95-octane petrol in June 2026, but a breakdown of what the government takes in taxes and levies shows the base price would be lower without them.
Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz again after renewed Israeli strikes on Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about global oil supply disruptions.
Cape Town commuters are bracing for MyCiTi bus fare increases of between 32% and 50% starting in July 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za
Mohammed Areff (Financial Advisor and Medical aid broker) Mohammed Areff is a Financial Advisor with 15+ years in sales and marketing. He helps clients plan for financial security, specialising in medical aid and retirement planning, ensuring peace of mind and stability through life’s uncertainties.
