KEY POINTS
- Two former police officers were arrested for a R5.6 million ($299,448) heist.
- Authorities recovered stolen money, weapons, and getaway vehicles.
- Hawks warn that criminals will be tracked down, no matter the timeline.
Two former police officers and an accomplice have been arrested after a four-year hunt linked to a R5.6 million ($299,448) cash-in-transit heist in Mpumalanga.
Bonginkosi Thokozane Jele, 38, appeared before the Vaalbank Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 27, alongside his co-accused, former Constable Zachariah Makgaolane Magoba, 41, and ex-Sergeant George Nape Phahla, 41.
Police spokesperson Lt. Col. Magonseni Nkosi confirmed that the trio allegedly conspired to rob a cash transport vehicle in Senotlelo, Vaalbank, in February 2021.
Phahla, who was still serving as an officer at the time, allegedly used a state vehicle to transport firearms used in the heist. These weapons were then handed over to Magoba, who played a crucial role in executing the plan.
The case was taken over by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Middelburg, who meticulously pieced together the evidence.
Their dedication paid off when Magoba and Phahla were finally tracked down and arrested.
Key evidence recovered in police-led operation
During the arrests, authorities recovered two vehicles suspected to have been used in the heist.
One was found at Magoba’s grandmother’s residence, while the second was discovered hidden in nearby bushes.
A significant sum of cash, believed to be part of Magoba’s share of the stolen money, was also seized.
The investigation led to Jele’s capture in Kanyamazane, where officers found furniture he had allegedly purchased with his portion of the stolen funds. His arrest closed a major chapter in the case, but legal proceedings were only beginning.
Phahla’s case was initially not enrolled, while Magoba and Jele were denied bail.
However, in December 2024, the courts reissued warrants for all three men, leading to further arrests.
According to IOL, Magoba was apprehended in Siyabuswa, while Phahla was arrested at his former workplace, the Vaalbank police station.
Authorities send a strong warning to criminals
On February 26, Jele was rearrested at Nelspruit Correctional Centre for his involvement in another cash-in-transit robbery. He joined his co-accused in court the following day and abandoned his bail application.
Provincial head of the Hawks, Maj. Gen. Nico Gerber, emphasized the significance of these arrests. “Cash-in-transit robberies are a serious concern.
These crimes threaten the country’s economy and endanger both citizens and security personnel,” he stated.
Gerber praised the investigation teams for their professionalism and commitment. “Our officers worked tirelessly to ensure these suspects were brought to justice.
This sends a strong message to criminals—we will hunt you down, no matter how long it takes.”
Authorities continue to investigate possible links between the suspects and other criminal activities, as they work to dismantle organized crime syndicates targeting cash-in-transit operations.
