The Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation are responsible for the investigation and arrest of the trio accused of a R5.6m cash-in-transit robbery, two of whom are ex-police officers.

The following press release from the Provincial Hawks Media Office is the latest update in the case:

Bonginkosi Thokozane Jele (38) abandoned his bail application after he appeared in Vaalbank Magistrate’s Court alongside his two co-accused, ex-police Constable Zachariah Makgaolane Magoba (41) and Sergeant George Nape Phahla (41), on February 27.

The trio allegedly conspired and robbed a total amount of R5.6m from a vehicle transporting money in Senotlelo, Vaalbank in February 2021.

The case docket was handed over to the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further handling.

It was revealed through an investigation that Sergeant Phahla allegedly used a state vehicle to collect firearms believed to have been used in the robbery and handed them to ex-police Constable Magoba. Two suspects, ex-police Sergeant Magoba and Constable Phahla were arrested. Two vehicles believed to have been used during the robbery were recovered.

One of the vehicles was found in Magoba’s grandmother’s residence, whilst the second vehicle was found hidden in the bushes close to Magoba’s grandmother’s residence.

A large sum of cash believed to be Magoba’s share was also recovered. Through an investigation, the third suspect, Jele, was arrested in Kanyamazane.

Jele was found with furniture believed to have been bought with his share and cash.

Phahla’s case was not enrolled, and Magoba and Jele were denied bail. Magoba was finally released on bail by the Division of the High Court in Mbombela.

After several court appearances, the case was temporarily struck off the roll.
After more evidence was gathered, the court issued a warrant of arrest for all three suspects.

Magoba was arrested in Siyabuswa and Phahla was arrested at his workplace in the Vaalbank Police Station. Both suspects were arrested in December 2024 and were released on bail, with their next court appearance scheduled for February 27.

Jele was rearrested at Nelspruit Correctional Centre on February 26, where he was arrested for another cash-in-transit robbery.
He joined his co-accused in court on February 27, where he abandoned his bail application.

“Cases involving cash-in-transit are a serious concern. Such incidents affect the economy of the country and place the lives of citizens and security officials at risk. The investigation teams’ professionalism ensured the successful investigation and appearance of suspects in court. Their commitment sends a clear message to criminals that we will hunt them down, no matter how long it takes,” Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, said.