Ex-police officers in doc after cash robbery in transit

The investigation of serious organized crime, based in Hawks Middelburg, are responsible for investigating and arresting the trio accused by a robbery in transit R5.6 m in transit, of which two are former police officers.

The next press release from the Provincial Hawks Media Office is the latest case update:

Bonginkosi Thokozane Jele (38 years old) abandoned his demand for bail after appearing at the court of magistrate Vaalbank, along with the two co-accused, former policist Zachalane Makgaolane Magoba (41) and Sergeant George Nape Phahla (41), on February 27.

It is assumed that the trio conspired and robbed a total amount of R5.6 m from a vehicle carrying money in Senotlelo, Vaalbank in February 2021.

The case dock was handed over to the serious organized crime investigation unit, based in Hawks Middelburg, for further handling.

By an investigation it was revealed that Sergeant Phahla used a state vehicle to collect firearms that are believed to have been used in the robbery and handed them to the former Magoba. Two suspects, the former Magoba Police Sergeant and Constanta Phahla were arrested. Two vehicles believed to be used during the robbery have been recovered.

One of the vehicles was found in Grandma Magoba’s residence, while the second vehicle was found hidden in the bushes, close to the grandmother’s residence.

Also, a large amount of cash was recovered that is believed to be the share of Magoba. Through a investigation, the third suspect, Jele, was arrested in Kanyamazane.

Jele was found with furniture that is believed to have been bought with action and cash.

Phahla’s case was not registered, and Magoba and Jeli refused the bail. Magoba was finally released on bail by the High Court Division in Mbombela.

After several appearances in court, the case was temporarily eliminated from the role.
After several evidence was collected, the court issued an arrest warrant for all three suspects.

Magoba was arrested in Siyabuswa, and Phahla was arrested at the workplace in the Vaalbank police station. Both suspects were arrested in December 2024 and were released on bail, with their next emergence in court for February 27.

Jeli was reborn at the Correctional Center on February 26, where he was arrested for another cash robbery.
He joined his co-accused in court on February 27, where he abandoned his request for bail.

“Cases involving cash in transit are a serious concern. Such incidents affect the country’s economy and place the lives of citizens and security officials. The professionalism of the investigative teams has ensured the investigation successfully and the appearance of the suspects in the court. Their commitment sends a clear message to the criminals that we will hunt them, no matter how long it takes, “said the provincial head of the Priority Directorate, said General Nico Gerber.