ALLEGED ROBBER APPEARED IN COURT FOR HEIST RELATED OFFENSES

ALLEGED ROBBER APPEARED IN COURT FOR HEIST RELATED OFFENSES

LIMPOPO: On 14 July 2025, the accused Funanani Godfrey Makhado Bongwe (49), appeared before Musina Magistrate Court where he faced charges of cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery, conspiracy to commit CIT robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlinced firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Bongwe was arrested at Thohoyandou on 12 July 2025, during a multidisciplinary disruptive operation conducted by Musina based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) together with Limpopo Provincial Intervention, Thohoyandou Task Team, Thohoyandou Tactical Response Team (TRT), Thohoyandou Crime Intelligence Gathering and Vhembe Detectives Task Team.

It is alleged that on 08 September 2021, a security official attached to Pro-Truck Cash-In-Transit security company, was walking from an armoured vehicle to the bank at Musina Mall carrying two boxes containing an undisclosed amount. It was reported that unknown suspects at the time, accosted the security official and fired two shots at him. The suspects then took two boxes carrying cash and fled the scene with a white Toyota Hilux.

Police attached to Musina SAPS, Local Criminal Record Centre and Musina based Hawks SOCI were summoned to the crime scene. During preliminary investigations, the police seized cartridges and cellphone that were found at the scene. Musina based Hawks was entrusted with further investigation of the case. The meritorious investigations of the Hawks linked the accused with the committed crimes.

After completion of investigation, the case was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for decision. Subsequent to that, a warrant to arrest the accused was issued. The integrated multidisciplinary disruptive operation was conducted. The team traced the accused and arrested him at Thohoyandou. He appeared in court, and the matter was postponed to 22 July 2025 for profiling.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender applauded the team for the wonderful work done.