Mbombela traffic officer arrested in connection with attempted CIT heist in Hazyview
A Mbombela traffic officer has been remanded in custody following charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a CIT robbery and possession of alleged stolen vehicles.
Mbombela traffic officer, Khanyisile Viola Nyalunga (29 ), was remanded in custody following her appearance in the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court on Monday July 31 in connection with an attempted CIT heist that occurred in Hazyview on Thursday July 27.
According to the Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, Nyalunga was arrested after a joint operation by the Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, the National Intervention Unit, provincial detectives and the Nelspruit Local Criminal Record Centre, on Friday July 28, following the failed Hazyview heist.
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She said it is alleged that on Thursday, at about 13:30, a Fidelity Security armoured vehicle (AV) was traveling from White River to Hazyview, escorted by a TSU vehicle.
“At the White River/Hazyview junction, as the AV turned right into Hazyview, it was rammed by a grey Mercedes-Benz sedan. The suspects immediately started to shoot at the AV, wounding the security guards. They were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
“The TSU also arrived and returned fire. According to information, the suspects fled, together with three other sedan vehicles. Witnesses indicated that one of the vehicles of the accused was seen transporting the suspect and firearms which were used during the failed heist,” said Sekgotodi.
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She said the team of investigators followed up information which led to the arrest of Nyalungu after stolen vehicles which were also seen on the crime scene were allegedly found parked in her yard. The vehicles were confiscated and she was arrested.
Sekgotodi said during preliminary investigations it was discovered that the recovered vehicles were stolen. The silver Mercedes-Benz ML 250 was stolen in the Mhala area in June this year, and the Mercedes-Benz C Class sedan stolen in the Vosloorus area in February 2021.
Nyalunga was charged with conspiracy to commit crime, robbery under aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The case against Nyalungu was postponed to Tuesday August 1 for further bail application.
