| Eight cash-in-transit heist and kidnapping suspects appeared in Galvendale court | |
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| Date Published: | 2024/01/31 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement EASTERN CAPE - Lilitha Cuthalele (23), Thalendi Katsau (38), Nkululeko Jamnda (29), Mkhuseli Dangala (39), Aviwe Solani (25), Thembani Nipier Magenuka (44), Lazola Mjekula (38) and Sibabalwe Gcinikhaya Ngwendu (25) appeared before Galvendale Magistrates’ court on 31 January 2024 facing charges of possession of stolen vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The eight suspects were arrested by the Gqeberha based Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) of the Hawks in collaboration with the Provincial Cash-In-Transit Task Team, Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG), Gqeberha Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 29 January 2024 for allegations possession of stolen vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Their arrest emanated from the intelligence driven information where two suspicious motor vehicles were allegedly parked at Polar Park in Chatty area at Gqeberha. The suspicious vehicles were a white Nissan hard body double cab bakkie and a white Nissan NP 200 which were reportedly having eight occupants. The information was followed up by the joint team. The joint law enforcement agents allegedly arrived at the place where the suspects were parked, they then instructed the accused persons to come out from their vehicles and they reportedly tried to evade the arrest but did not succeed. Further report indicated that the suspects were searched and the team recovered 9mm Norinco pistol, 9mm Glock pistol, 9mm Pietro Berretta pistol, R4 automatic rifle, AK47 rifle , and a 12 gauge short handle shotgun. Further allegations divulged that one 9mm pistol appeared to be a police firearm and huge quantity of live rounds of ammunition for different firearms were confiscated. All firearms serial numbers were filed off except one. During the search, more items were recovered inclusive of one bullet proof vest, numerous hand gloves, hats and face masks. Both vehicles were confiscated as well for further investigation. The suspects appeared before Galvendale Magistrate’s court on 31 January 2024. The matter was remanded to 7 February 2024 for formal bail application and it was transferred to Gqeberha New Law court. All eight (8) suspects are remanded in custody. The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya conveyed words of appreciation as this might be a breakthrough to the scourge of kidnapping and CIT robberies that has taken the Eastern by storm more especially in the Gqeberha area. Ends
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