LADYBRAND – Seven suspects, including a police officer, are remanded in custody following their arrest in connection with the armed robbery of a Shoprite Group store in Ladybrand. The ongoing investigations by the provincial police’s Serious and Violent Crime, Murder and Robbery unit includes an intensive search for three additional suspects, currently on the run.
Those arrested include Sgt Thabiso Motja (43), as well as four employees of the store: Matshidiso Maseloa (50), Anny Meshake (37), Maki Maribe (37) and Palesa Malokase (41). Also in custody are two civilians: Lefu Jonas Monyane (45) and Matseko Maketha (31). They appeared jointly for the first time in the Ladybrand Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 April, facing a charge of armed robbery.
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Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the police, confirmed that their case had been postponed to 20 April for a bail application in the same court.
The suspects were traced and arrested on different occasions. The breakthrough came with Motja’s arrest, and the discovery of a white Volkswagen Polo used as the getaway vehicle shortly after the robbery on Thursday 9 April.
Kareli said the suspects made off with large plastic bags containing a substantial undisclosed amount of cash and several cellular phones. The robbery reportedly took place at about 18:40.
