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Three traffic officers are facing charges of robbery, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, kidnapping, and bribery. This being yet another blemish on the South African government’s record.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile explained that the charges follow an incident on 28 April 2022, after two men were travelling in Nkandla, transporting 100 boxes of body lotion.
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According to Gwala, while the men were travelling, their vehicle experienced mechanical issues and they proceeded to a repair centre for assistance.
“Whilst on a test drive, they were stopped by Nkandla traffic officers who requested the mechanic’s driving licence. The driver’s licence was expired and the traffic officers demanded a bribe of R1000-00, which was given to them,” she said.
However, the men’s troubles had only just begun. While on their way to Nkandla, a white double cab emerged with two occupants and stopped them.
One of the people, who was wearing a facemask with a police emblem, got out of the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the victims, forcing them to lie down.
Gwala further explained, “He tied them with cable ties and demanded the car keys. The suspects drove to the bush where they removed all the boxes. The suspects also took R3000 in cash from the victim.”
After the victims were able to get out of the cable ties, charges of robbery, attempted theft of a motor vehicle, kidnapping and bribery were opened for investigation at Nkandla SAPS. Gwala highlighted that later that day, three traffic officers, Noxolo Velile Mngoma, Silindile Samukelisiwe Biyela and Sandile Bongumenzi Zulu were traced and placed under arrest.
“The accused made their first court appearances on 3 May 2022. They last appeared on 29 July 2022 where the two women were granted bail. The matter was remanded to 28 August 2022. The docket was transferred to Provincial Organised Crime Investigation who took over the investigation.”
With three traffic officers already facing criminal charges, Gwala said that on 9 August 2022, a police officer stationed at Empangeni Detectives, Sergeant Sicelo Mabanga, and a tow truck owner, Mduduzi Nsizwa Maluleka were also arrested in connection with the robbery.
“Two blue lights that were used in the commission of the offence was seized for further investigation. The duo appeared before the Nkandla Magistrates Court on 10 August 2022, and they were remanded in custody. The matter has been adjourned to 24 August 2022 for bail applications,” concluded Gwala.
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