Two suspects who were arrested in Town Two in Khayelitsha almost three weeks ago in connection with the botched cash- in-transit (CIT) robbery appeared in Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court in Khayelitsha on Thursday 15 August.
The case against Sihle Mabhongo (24) and Simphiwe Mzanywa (46) was postponed to Wednesday 28 August for formal bail application.
Provincial Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Siyabulela Vukubi said the accused have been remanded in custody.
“Mzanywa’s parole has been revoked and Mabhongo has a pending case at Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court for possession of unlicensed firearm.”
The two were among the five suspects that were arrested on Monday 5 August after they had an exchange of gunfire with the officers. (“Two suspects are rearrested for Town Two shooting,” City Vision, 15 August).
The two are charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives and attempted murder.
The other three men were released by the court on Thursday 8 August after a legal representative for one of the accused argued that they had been in police custody for over 48 hours. Eight people were killed during the shooting.
A Khayelitsha community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, said they won’t relax until the culprits have been sentenced. He said they want them to rot in jail.
“These suspects don’t deserve to stay with the community. They are supposed to rot in jail,” he said.
He appealed to the justice system to do what is right for the community. He described the culprits as animals. “We hope this case can be finalised quickly. All the evidence is there, nothing much needs to be investigated. Those who are arrested must speak the truth and tell the court where they get the prohibited firearms and explosives,” he stated.
