Hawks arrest Botleng-resident after he fled scene of a CIT heist
Accused number 10, Botleng resident, Msimango remanded in custody.
A suspect appeared before the Hendrina Court for conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and possession of firearms and explosives.
The suspect, Abel Nkosingphile Msimango (44) appeared before the court on Thursday, September 15.
Msimango was traced and arrested by the Hawks’ investigating team comprising of the Middelburg-based Serious Organised Investigation, National Priority Violent Crime and Tactical Operations Management Section on Wednesday, September 14 at his residence in Botleng, Delmas.
The arrest followed a series of events after a foiled cash-in-transit heist robbery (CIT) in Hendrina on Tuesday, August 4.
It was reported that on the day in question, the multidisciplinary team received information about a would-be CIT, which was operationalised. When the multi-disciplinary team arrived at the identified safe house, a shootout ensued whereby two of the suspects escaped.
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Three were found in a caravan in a nearby residence whilst two others were arrested inside the safe house.
Four more suspects fled the scene in a Mercedes Benz. As they made a bid for their escape a high-speed chase ensued and the suspects were arrested.
Two more suspects, including Msimango, who managed to flee, hijacked a number of vehicles as they allegedly made their escape toward Elukwatini.
The team continued working around the clock in search of the remaining suspects and on Sunday, August 7, the investigation team arrested suspects, which led them to the accused, Abraham Nthabu.
Ntabu in turn took the investigation team to eMalahleni where he pointed out a silver grey Suzuki vehicle allegedly used as a getaway vehicle after the planned CIT robbery. The vehicle tested positive for Soshanguve case, which was hijacked in July this year.
Thabo Haward Hlope, has a pending CIT case that occurred in Westernbug where the SBV armoured vehicle was attacked in May 2018.
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It was further established that the accused last appeared in the Polokwane High Court on Thursday, 4 August. His case was postponed to August 8, but he evaded court.
Robert Lazarus Ndlovu also has a pending CIT case which happened in December 2014 at Ermelo. The case was postponed to October 3, trial.
Godfrey Mabuye allegedly involved himself in Siyabuswa in an attempted CIT case which happened in July.
Mabuye was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle on the day of the Hendrina incident. According to the police Mabuye, at the time of his arrest in Ermelo, was wearing the same clothes that he was wearing in Siyabuswa during the CIT.
The successful arrest of the suspect brings the total number to ten. The ten accused are all in custody.
The Hawks’ Provincial head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the collaboration of the team during the investigation which led to the arrest of the outstanding suspect.
Accused number 10, Botleng resident, Msimango remanded in custody. The case was postponed and at the time of going to print Msimango was due to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 19 September on a count of conspiracy to commit a crime.
