Security guard joins 8 co-accused in dock for North West cash heist, murder of 2 cops

A North West security officer has been arrested in connection with a Mahikeng cash-in-transit heist that resulted in the death of two police officers.

Thirty-one-year-old Thuso Tshepo Lobelo is a security officer who works at the G4S depot in Mahikeng.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested him on Wednesday in connection with the heist.

Detective Warrant Officer Delene Grobler-Koonin was shot dead during the heist on 6 March 2020, according to Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso. Detective Warrant Officer Wynand Herbst was shot during a follow-up operation.

“The armed gang allegedly shot and forced a cash security van off the road, then blew it open. When the police approached the suspects, a shootout ensued, resulting in Grobler-Koonin being tragically shot. The suspects fled and a manhunt was immediately launched,” said Rikhotso.

ALSO READ: Five people nabbed after security guard shot dead in Hillbrow

Later that day, the suspects were cornered in Coligny. A shootout ensued and Herbst was shot. Herbst succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

To date, eight people have been arrested in connection with the heist. Solomon Ngubeni, Jabulani Yika, Musa Mkhavela, Terefe Demmissie, Edgar Marule, Simphiwe Msibi, Jabulane Sibisi and Danny Mafora face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of firearms, possession of explosives and malicious damage to property, among others.

“They are now joined by Lobelo, who made a brief appearance before the Mahikeng Regional Court on Wednesday. The case has been transferred to the [North West High Court in Mahikeng], scheduled for 12 April 2021, where all nine accused will appear,” Rikhotso said.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.