Fuel suppliers embroiled in Turf war battle

A bitter turf war has erupted between two fuel suppliers, Rhino Fuels and Maybach Oil
and Gas, in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, according to a report by Sunday World. The feud
has escalated to the point where a court has ordered one of the businessmen to stop
harassing and intimidating his rival.

Rhino Fuels is run by Reyno Kruger, while Maybach Oil and Gas is owned by Ntando
Mhlongo. Mhlongo has accused Rhino Fuels of operating a petroleum wholesale
business without a license and undercutting prices, negatively impacting his business.

As reported by Sunday World, court documents reveal that Kruger testified before the
Mbombela High Court, alleging that Mhlongo threatened him with violence if he did not
comply with his demands. Subsequently, vehicles without number plates were
dispatched to a Rhino Fuels depot, threatening employees and demanding the closure
of the depot.

When Rhino Fuels’ staff sought police assistance, they were allegedly denied
intervention without a court order. Kruger then opened a case of intimidation against
Mhlongo, prompting alleged threats from Mhlongo via WhatsApp messages.

The court documents, as cited by Sunday World, state that Maybach representatives,
accompanied by police, gained access to Rhino Fuel’s premises by driving through a
boom gate, despite the lack of a search warrant or an open case against Rhino Fuels.

In his judgment, Acting Judge JL Bhengu warned Mhlongo against harassing Kruger
and his employees, emphasizing that the police must operate within the confines of the
law.

As the turf war between the two fuel suppliers intensifies, the authorities are expected to
intervene and ensure a fair resolution to the commercial dispute.