Mpumalanga cops accused of cash heist to spend Christmas behind bars
They appeared in the Vaalbank Magistrates Court on Thursday on charges related to a R5.8 million cash-in-transit (CIT) heist.
Picture: Pexels
JOHANNESBURG - Two police officers from Vaalbank in Mpumalanga will remain behind bars this festive season.
They appeared in the Vaalbank Magistrates Court on Thursday on charges related to a R5.8 million cash-in-transit (CIT) heist.
The case dates back to 2021 and had been struck off the court roll.
With new evidence, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had the two re-arrested last week.
The NPA said investigations had proven that the first suspect Sergeant George Phaala, used a State vehicle to collect guns to give to the second suspect, Zachariah Magopa.
The firearms were allegedly used during the heist.
A third suspect, Bongumusa Jele, was arrested in KaNyamazane, and his matter was placed on the roll with the others.
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Dineo Sekgotodi: “On 17 December 2024, ex Constable Magopa was arrested with J50 in Siyabuswa, and detained at Vaalbank holding cells. On 18 December 2024, Sergeant Phaahla was arrested with J50 at his workplace and both suspects appeared before Vaalbank Magistrates Court.”
The case has been postponed to 27 February 2025.