Petrol Attendant Busted For R500K Fuel Card Scam In Mpumalanga

A 34-year-old petrol attendant has been arrested in Mpumalanga for allegedly cloning fuel cards and stealing nearly half a million rand from unsuspecting motorists.

The arrest followed a joint investigation involving card fraud investigators from two banks, a Truckstop Inn fuel station and the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit based in Middelburg.

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the suspect is accused of cloning fuel cards during routine transactions when motorists paid using petrol cards.

Nearly R500 000 Lost as Petrol Attendant Arrested 

Investigations by the financial institutions revealed that card users suffered estimated losses of R469 000.

The Hawks were alerted to the suspected criminal activity and acted on the information. Officers swooped on the fuel station on Friday, 12 December 2025, where the identified petrol attendant was searched.

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During the operation, a card-cloning device was allegedly found in his possession, leading to his immediate arrest.

More Arrests Possible as Probe Continues

The suspect is expected to appear before the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 December 2025.

Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head, Major General Nico Gerber, praised the cooperation between law enforcement, financial institutions and the private sector.

“Our investigation is still in its infancy phase, and we believe that as it continues, more information will be uncovered. There is also a possibility that more people may be linked to the illegal activities,” Gerber said.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships in tackling crime.

“This is a testament to the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing crime.”

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