Illicit fuel trade outcry

HOTSPOTS: GAUTENG, MPUMALANGA, KWAZULU-NATAL ARE HARDEST HIT

- Jarryd Westerdale

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, under-reported 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 a year, while police have identified 23 hotspots in three provinces.

Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are 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," said Sars.