The Hawks have launched a manhunt for three foiled cash-in-transit heist suspects released from custody when they were not brought to court within 48 hours, and has turned to the public for assistance in hopes of rearresting them.
Thirty-seven-year-old Cassiem Feni, Tebogo Maluke, 51, and Avuyile Mjongwana, 23, are wanted in connection with a case of attempted murder, possession of prohibited firearms as well as ammunition and possession of explosives following an incident early this month.
A multidisciplinary team including the Hawks, intelligence operatives and the Special Task Force raided a house in Khayelitsha on August 5 where they exchanged fire with a gang of about 13 people. Eight suspects were killed, while five others were arrested.
This is after law enforcement acted on information about a planned heist that was to take place.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said preliminary investigation identified an address in Town two, Khayelitsha as being a residence where the suspects were conducting their plan.
“Information was operationalised which resulted in a shootout between the suspects and the police within the residence,” she said.
At the scene police confiscated weapons including seven AK-47 rifles, two R5 rifles, one R4 rifle, one Dashprod rifle and two 9mm pistols.
They also found three improvised explosive devices and numerous magazines filled with rounds of ammunition. Maluke, Feni and Mjongwana appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court but their representatives argued that their clients were not presented before the court within 48 hours after their arrests making their appearance in court unlawful.
Two other suspects who have since been re-arrested, Simphiwe Mzawya and Sihle Mabongo, were absent at the time the others were released from custody as they are still in hospital after being wounded in the shoot-out with police.
Meanwhile Yanga “Bara” Nyalara appeared briefly at the Cape Town Regional Court, this time facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the charge sheet, the State alleges that on June 30, 2016 at or near a MTN shop in ST Georges Mall in the CBD the accused unlawfully and intentionally assaulted a person.
With force, Nyalara allegedly took a Samsung cellphone valued at R2300, R1000 cash and a jacket.
The case was postponed September 5 for a pretrial hearing and to set a trial date. The matter comes a week after Nyalara was acquitted with co-accused Wanda Tofile of 20 charges including 12 counts of murder in the Goodwood Prison sitting as the High Court.
Anyone who can identify Maluke, Feni and Mjongwana or knows their whereabouts is requested to contact Investigating Officers Captain Swan on 082 469 2164 or Sergeant Hlatshaneni on 082 479 6265.
Cape Times