The six men arrested regarding an armed cash-in-transit heist in Virginia in the Free State are remanded in custody after their bail application was turned down in the Virginia Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The suspects are Lefa Molaoa, Hlompho Rampholaole (both Lesotho citizens), Sebata Hlabahlaba, Aubrey Yola, Malosane Ananius Mahole and Ike Thota Mohlolo (all South Africa citizens).
They face charges after allegedly robbing security officials of G4S in Virginia on 3 October last year. They are set to reappear on 17 February, while the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit continues with investigation regarding the suspects’ possible involvement in other violent crimes.
Armed men reportedly ambushed the vehicle at about 10:50 while it was delivering cash to a bank in Government Avenue, Virginia. They were traced and arrested on 12 October by the Hawks in Welkom, together with the Tactical Response team (TRT) based in Bloemfontein.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the suspects were arrested in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, and Thabong, Welkom, following intensive search.
He said the armed suspects, who were lying in wait, robbed one of the security guards of his service pistol and thereafter fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. They ordered everyone to lie on the ground as they fired shots through the window of the armoured vehicle.
“No one was injured during the robbery,” said Singo.
