Hawks
By Sello Masilo
The Hawks’ Mthatha Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit has successfully apprehended a key suspect linked to a violent cash-in-transit robbery and the murder of a police officer. The suspect, Eric John Bakali (31), a foreign national, was arrested on 21 August 2024 in Durban. He subsequently appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on the same day to face charges of cash-in-transit robbery and murder. Bakali, who was being transferred as a prisoner from Durban to the Eastern Cape, was scheduled to join his co-accused, Ally Josephs (42) and Andile Mayisela (40), at the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court on 23 August 2024.
Josephs and Mayisela, also foreign nationals, were previously arrested in connection with the same case. Josephs has remained in custody since his arrest, while Mayisela was released on R5000 bail, deemed not to be a flight risk. The case has been remanded to 27 August 2024 for Bakali’s formal bail application and to allow him to secure legal representation. Until then, Bakali remains in custody.
The 2020 Heist and Subsequent Police Chase
The charges against Bakali and his co-accused stem from a brazen robbery that took place on 19 October 2020. On that afternoon, two G4S cash trucks were transporting money collected from Lusikisiki and Port St John’s to their base in Mthatha. It is alleged that the trucks were ambushed by two groups of heavily armed suspects. These suspects forced the security guards to exit the vehicles before bombing one of the trucks to access the cash inside.
During this process, as the suspects attempted to bomb the second truck, police arrived at the scene, leading to a fierce shootout. The suspects allegedly fled with an undisclosed amount of money. The police gave chase, but tragically, a police officer was fatally wounded at the Mhlakulo junction during the pursuit. The following day, one of the suspects, reportedly injured in the shootout, was arrested in a nearby forest. Additionally, a vehicle used by the suspects was found abandoned a few meters away from the forest.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
The arrest of Bakali is the result of thorough and intensive investigations by the Hawks. The unit’s continuous efforts to trace and apprehend all individuals involved in the heist have been praised by the Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya. “The team’s dedication to uprooting high-level criminality in the province is commendable,” Ngwenya stated, adding that the arrest of Bakali is a significant step forward in ensuring that all those responsible for this heinous crime face justice.
Bakali’s arrest in Durban has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the crimes involved. The case has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by South African law enforcement in dealing with cash-in-transit heists, which have been a persistent issue across the country. These crimes are often characterized by extreme violence, sophisticated planning, and the use of high-powered firearms and explosives.
Context and Broader Implications
Cash-in-transit robberies have surged in South Africa in recent years, prompting a concerted response from law enforcement agencies. The Hawks, in particular, have been at the forefront of efforts to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for these robberies. Their success in making high-profile arrests, such as that of Bakali, has been crucial in restoring public confidence in the ability of the police to tackle serious organized crime.
In a similar case, the Hawks recently arrested several suspects in the North West province, including a security guard, in connection with a cash-in-transit robbery. This incident, which also involved the use of explosives and firearms, was part of a coordinated operation by the Hawks and other law enforcement units. The suspects were apprehended after a high-speed chase and a shootout with police, resulting in the recovery of stolen money and weapons.
Download Here:⬇️⬇️
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate