The Mpumalanga Hawks have launched a manhunt for Zola Martin Mnisi (29), who is linked to the cash-in-transit (CIT) heist that took place near Tonga on August 11. R8 000 in coins were stolen.

The Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said Mnisi is from Swalala Trust near Masoyi. “During the investigation, Mnisi was allegedly linked to the incident. The report was presented before the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court, and a warrant for his arrest was authorised.”

Seven co-accused are currently in custody in Malalane facing charges related to the CIT. These include the three police members of the flying squad, Collen Cyprian Nonyane (44), Sunday Peace Mashego (39), Bhekinkosi Stanley Goddi (39), and another accused, Sibusiso Musa Vilakazi (38).

Nonyane, Mashego and Vilakazi’s arrest on Thursday August 17 followed information received by members of the Provincial Organised Crime Task Team regarding a flying squad vehicle that was transporting illegal firearms.

However, Goddi handed himself over to the police with his attorney on Friday August 18, after he had escaped during the arrest of the other suspects.

ALSO READ: KaBokweni residents demand better service delivery

They joined the co-accused, Mosa Bhekifa Ngwenyama (30), Ali Obi Ebrahim (24) and Mfanasibili Lawrence Lubisi (44), who were arrested in Schoemansdal later on the day of the heist.

The seven appeared in the Malalane Periodical Court on Monday August 21. The matter was then postponed to Wednesday August 23, and temporary transferred to the Tonga Magistrate’s Court.

Sekgotodi said the case was postponed to Monday August 28 due to technical problems. She said more arrests are imminent.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Education warns public about scammers targeting job seekers

Anyone with information regarding Mnisi’s whereabouts is requested to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Albert de Lange, on 071 481 2815. All information received will be handled confidentially.