11 suspects linked to shooting appear in court
The eleven suspects that were arrested in a joint multi-disciplinary operation in Hendrina, appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, facing charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal possession of explosives as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The case against Thabo Hlophe, Christof Maseko, Dumisane Skhosana, Koketso Nyeufane, Abraham Nthabu, Tshiamo Machaka, Timothy Malepe, Godrey Mabuye, Boikutso Chimole, Robert Ndlovu and Joao Masajo, was postponed to 29 August for further investigation.
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According to a media statement issued by the Hawks, three different rifles, three vehicles including a Mercedes Benz C class (reported hijacked in Aksia last month), a Golf 6 GTI (reported hijacked in Soshanguve last month) and a Ford Ranger (reported stolen in Krugersdorp in 2021), explosives and large quantities of ammunition were recovered from the scene.
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The fourth vehicle, a Mercedes CLA will be seized for being used in a commission of a crime as well as a Toyota Etios.
Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the arrested suspects is due to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on an unrelated case of cash in transit robbery.
The suspects are remanded in custody.
