Two police constables were arrested on Friday morning, they are believed to be involved with the syndicate responsible for the shootout in Ga-Nala in August.
The arrests of Constables Thamsanqua Kubheka (38) and Daniel Mahlangu (30) came at the hands of the Hawks and SAPS task force members on Friday, September 9 during police operations held in the early hours of the morning.
The two constables that were arrested at their homes are accused of being involved in the syndicate conspiring to execute cash in transit robberies throughout the Mpumalanga area.
According to a statement released by the Hawks communications liaison, Lieut Dineo Sekgotodi, one of the suspects attempted to shoot his way to freedom but was quickly detained and taken into custody.
During the operation Hawks members seized firearms, and suspected stolen property including laptops and cellular phones, two BMWs were also seized.
The National Head of the Hawks Lieut-Gen Mthandazo Ntlemeza has commended the investigating team on their efforts which has resulted in the arrest of the two police officers. According to Lieut-Gen Ntlemeza they are collectively putting together a solid case, which is resulting in more arrests of the members of this dangerous group of criminals, all while displaying the highest level of professionalism and great commitment to the task.
“The tremendous effort exerted by our members must be commended. I am heartened by their efforts as we seek to get crime under control and put solid cases before the courts, so that justice may be served. Congratulations to the dedicated and competent officers involved in this investigation,” said Lieut-Gen Ntlemeza.
The two men appeared before the Kriel Magistrate’s Court that morning and are currently being held in police custody pending their next appearance alongside the eight other accused arrested on July 31 for the shooting in Ga-Nala.
The eight accused – Messrs December Nkosi, Sam Masina, Collen Mabuza, John Rahube, Wellington Cenenda, Sipho Mahlangu, Eddy Kekana and Robert Makabathi face numerous charges, including murder, attempted murder, theft of motor vehicle, two counts of armed robbery of motor vehicle, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed ammunition, possession of explosives, and malicious damage to property.
ALSO READ:
Suspect shot dead in Ga-Nala shootout
Hawks nab two more suspects linked to Kriel-shootout
