The Eastern Cape Hawks, in collaboration with local SAPS teams, have linked and charged five suspects in connection with three cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and attempted robberies that occurred in Gqeberha earlier this year.
Story Summary:
- The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation charged five suspects linked to three cash-in-transit (CIT) incidents in Gqeberha.
- The incidents involved armed robberies, attempted CIT heists, and the use of unlicensed firearms and stolen cash.
- The suspects will appear in court on 6 December as cases have been centralised.
Five key Eastern Cape cash-in-transit highrollers successfully charged
The suspects—identified as Siphosethu Faliso (26), Masazindile Doza (31), Thozamile Malanti (38), Makwayandile Dyidyo (38), and Likhanyo Kwayibana (42)—are facing charges including CIT robbery, attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The arrests were made on 2 July 2024, following a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, the Cambridge SAPS Task Team, and the East London SAPS Task Team.
The suspects were apprehended in Vincent, East London, where authorities also recovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The five suspects have been in custody since their arrest.
On Wednesday, 26 November 2024, they were formally charged in connection with three separate CIT incidents in New Brighton, Kwazakhele, and Booysen Park in Gqeberha.
Three CIT incidents that led to the arrests
The first incident occurred on 3 June 2024, at the Convenient Centre in New Brighton.
Allegedly, two vehicles carrying armed suspects ambushed an IziCash armed vehicle (AV). The suspects opened fire on security guards, injuring one guard and stealing two firearms along with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Two weeks later, another attempted CIT robbery took place at Quest service station in Kwazakhele.
Suspects in a silver Isuzu double cab opened fire on an IziCash vehicle parked at the scene. Although the cash vehicle fled, the suspects reportedly stole two 9mm pistols from the security guards. No cash was taken.
The third incident unfolded on 1 July 2024, at Booysen Park in Gqeberha.
Armed suspects in a grey Ford Ranger and Opel Mokka opened fire on an IziCash vehicle. The security guards managed to retreat into their vehicle and escape. No injuries or cash losses were reported in this incident.
The Hawks’ investigation linked the five suspects to all three incidents through intensive detective work, culminating in charges filed last week.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the East London Magistrates Court on 6 December 2024, as all charges have been centralised to streamline the legal process.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Hawks’ Provincial Head, commended the investigative teams for their success in linking the suspects to the CIT incidents.
“This sends a stern message to those involved in criminal activities in the province,” he said.
