Odwa Nolangeni (27) briefly appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court for charges of motor vehicle theft yesterday, May 16.
His case was remanded to May 18 for formal bail application.
This was confirmed by the spokesperson for Hawks, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, stating that he was arrested by the members of Vehicle Theft Unit and Mthatha Cash In-Transit (CIT) Task Team of the Hawks on May 11. She said this is after he claimed to be the owner of the Ford Ranger bakkie that was used in the foiled CIT robbery that led to the death of one of four suspects at Circle Spar in Mthatha on May 10.
“It is alleged that on May 11 he went to South African Police Service (SAPS) pound to claim the white Ford Ranger bakkie which was used by the robbers as a getaway vehicle. He is reported to have claimed that the vehicle was hijacked from him on the morning of the robbery,” said Mgolodela.
She added that upon questioning the suspect, it transpired that he had a pending warrant of arrest with Vehicle Theft Unit, hence his arrest by the joint team.
