BLOEMFONTEIN – The second suspect linked to a recent brazen cash heist on the N8 near Botshabelo, is pursuing his bid for bail. His accomplice was unsuccessful in the same matter. Pitso Clement Mpholo (58) will know his fate during the hearing in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court today – Thursday, 9 October.
The first suspect, Keketso Muso (35), is remanded in custody after his bail was turned down on 25 September. Mpholo’s bail hearing was postponed on Wednesday, 1 October. He handed himself over at Botshabelo’s Boithuso Police Station on 17 September, in the company of his lawyer. Law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks, were on his trail. He was linked to the heist which occurred on 2 September at about 09:00.
Mpholo’s connection came after the police discovered two vehicles at the house belonging to him, along with several deadly rifles, ammunition and explosives.
The police discovered essential evidence at a house in Section H, Botshabelo, shortly after the heist. The weapons discovered include assault rifles, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition. The police confiscated items including bullet-resistant vests, clothing as well as an unknown concoction inside a bottle.
It is believed Muso and Mpholo were part of a heavily armed group involved in the robbery of the cash van. The men were travelling in a BMW, which they reportedly rammed into a cash vehicle. This resulted in the vehicle overturning. They ambushed the cash van a few kilometres outside Botshabelo. It is reported they took an undisclosed amount of cash. They then fled the scene in a grey Toyota Hilux, driving in the direction of Botshabelo.
The police breakthrough came with the arrest of Muso whilst driving a vehicle reported as stolen in Bloemfontein in May this year.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the two men face charges including armed robbery. They also face charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition relating to the Firearms Control Act. The investigations are ongoing regarding the heist, including the search for other suspects still on the run.
