Vaalbank business robbery accused denied bail

The Mbibana Magistrate’s Court denied Tshepo Mhlanga (48) bail on January 25. He was charged with a business robbery at a furniture shop in Marapyane Shopping Mall on January 19.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the accused was arrested in a joint effort from various community and security organisations after a high-speed chase.

“Mhlanga and four of his accomplices allegedly stormed into a certain furniture shop, held the employees at gunpoint then reportedly robbed them of various items, which include cellphones, Play Stations and laptops valued at more than R200 000. They fled in a white Nissan NP200 that was parked outside.

“The police were notified and spotted a vehicle that matched the description of the suspected vehicle. The driver is said to have ignored them when the police ordered him to stop. They drove into the bushes where they abandoned the car and fled on foot, and Mhlanga was arrested. A firearm with a magazine and some live ammunition were found in his possession.”

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He said a jamming device as well as eight cellphones believed to have been stolen during the robbery were recovered.

Mdhluli said there is currently no indication that the Nissan had been stolen, however, it was confiscated. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was previously in any crimes elsewhere. Mdhluli said the police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect.

“The police are still in pursuit of the other suspects. The investigators urge anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app.”

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All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Mhlanga is set to make an appearance in court again on April 18.