Six would-be robbers who attempted a cash-in-transit heist at a post office in Paul Roux, remain behind bars after failed bail applications.
The state turned down their applications for bail since their arrest on 3 May this year.
The would-be robbers are Sifiso Mkhulumeleni Langa (36), Siyabonga Khumalo (35), Fisani Ndlovu (41), Phillips Motaung (52), Pineal Gamede (47) and Nkosilathi Khumalo (28). The six men are expected to reappear on 20 October in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court for a pre-trial. They face charges of armed robbery and attempted cash-in-transit.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said the investigation was ongoing to establish the men’s possible link to other similar crimes. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, together with the Public Order Policing (POP) based in Bethlehem, as well as the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Phuthaditjhaba, arrested the men shortly after the botched robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle at the post office in Paul Roux. The suspects allegedly attacked two EFS security officials during their delivery of money at the post office.
Singo said the men’s arrest followed an intelligence driven operation conducted by law enforcement agents.
The failed armed robbery occurred in broad daylight, at about 10:45. Singo said the men allegedly started shooting at the security vehicle while one security official was about to deliver cash at the post office. “The driver, who was inside the car, saw a few suspects who started shooting the security official who was carrying a bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. The security officers managed to escape, and they drove off to the Paul Roux police station to seek assistance,” said Singo.
