By Thys Khiba – Three Fidelity security were arrested in connection with a cash-in-transit heist last week are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 19 May.
Mzwandile Choko, 60, Molefe Sidwell Molefe 61, and Deon de Lange 48, are expected to appear in court for a formal bail application.
This comes after the three suspects were charged with robberyaggravating circumstances, cash-in-transit robbery, attempted murder and possession of explosives and appeared before the court on Friday, 12 May.
The CEO of the Fidelity Services Group, Wahl Bartmann indicated they have been conducting their own internal investigation.
“We will continue to work closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to uncover full details of the alleged incident. We have very strict vetting procedures for all staff and will give the officials our full cooperation,” said Bartmann.
The company has suspended the suspects with immediate effect and reported to the Bargaining Council as well as the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
The spokesperson for the Free State Hawks, Captain Christopher Singo indicated security officials between the ages of 53 and 60 were arrested on Wednesday, 10 May in Bloemfontein.
“Their arrest originates from the incident which took place on Tuesday, 09 May 2023 where the armoured vehicle of Fidelity security company was enroute from company depot to Bloemfontein Central Business District to deliver cash.
“It is alleged that before the security official reached their destination they were accosted by a group of heavily armed suspects at McKenzie street East end Bloemfontein. The armed robbers instructed the security officials get out of the Armoured vehicle,” said Singo.
Singo said the men then used explosives to blow the vault and the drop safe of the armoured vehicle.
The suspect then took an undisclosed amount of money and three firearms of the security officials and fled the scene.
If the suspects are found guilty, the Fidelity Services Group will immediately dismiss them.
CENTRAL NEWS
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