Ndudi Anyim
A security officer, Thuso Tshepo Lobelo, aged 31, has been arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), in connection with a Cash-In-Tansit robbery at Mahikeng, where two policemen were killed.
It was gathered that the suspect and his gang members, allegedly shot and forced a cash security van off the road, and blew it open.
Police operatives responded to a distress call on the incident and engaged the suspects in a shootout, resulting in the death of the officers, Warrant Officer Delene Grobler-Koonin, 44, and Warrant Officer Wynand Herbst, 42.
Security Watch Africa reports that three of the robbery suspects were gunned down, while two others were arrested.
The police further launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, as eight of them were arrested for the criminal act.
According to Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, who gave details of the arrest, “ a total number of eight suspects were arrested. They are: Solomon Ngubeni, 47, Jabulani Yika, 38, Musa Mkhavela, 33, Terefe Demmissie, 39, Edgar Marule, 47, Simphiwe Msibi, 24, Jabulane Sibisi, 53, and Danny Mafora, 39.
“ They are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, pre-meditated murder, possession of firearms, possession of ammunition, possession of explosives and malicious damage to property.
“ They are now joined by Lobelo who made a brief appearance before the Mahikeng Regional Court. The case has been transferred to Mahikeng High Court scheduled for April 12, 2021 where all nine accused will appear.”