By Jonk wa Mashamba
Editor-in-Chief
news@alexreporter.co.za
Ten suspect, Sihle Mazibuko (35), Qaphela Ngubeni (33), Menzi Shabalala (47), Hloniphani Dube (40) Zimbabwe national, Alex Matshebele (40) Zimbabwe national, Phendula Mvubu (44), Mike Ngwadi (47) Zimbabwe national, Andrew Tshobolo (67) Zimbabwe national, Khulekani Nkosi (36) and Kitso Mnguni (45) appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate`s court today (23 February 2022) on charges of murder x 8, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives, possession of hijacked vehicles and conspiracy to commit cash-in-transit heist.
They were part of at least twenty-five suspects who were accosted during a Crime Intelligence led operation where their alleged plans to commit a CIT robbery were intercepted by a multidisciplinary team led by the National CIT Task Team in Moffatview, in the South of Johannesburg.
The case has been postponed to 3 March 2022 for verification of addresses as well as legality confirmation by identified foreign nationals.
A multidisciplinary operation consisting of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), including the National Cash in Transit (CIT) Task Team, resulted in the swift interception of an alleged CIT robbery in Moffatview, Johannesburg. A shoot-out ensued between law enforcement authorities and about 25 gang members.
The incident led to the death of eight people. All accused were remanded in custody until 03 March 2022, for legal representation and the verification of some of the accused’s citizenship in the country.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) commends the bravery displayed by our partners within the Criminal Justice System and wish all officers that were injured in the process of upholding the rule of law, a speedy recovery. We condemn the violence perpetrated against law enforcement authorities,”NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane said.
