Cape Town — Three police officers were apprehended by the Hawks after they conspired and robbed more than R5.6 million from a vehicle transporting money back in February 2021.
In a statement, police revealed that Bonginkosi Thokozane Jele (38), along with his co-accused, Constable Zachariah Makgaolane Magopa (41) and Sergeant George Nape Phahla (41). Jele abandoned his bail application after the trio made an appearance in court last week.
The case was handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling. It was revealed that Sergeant Phahla used a state vehicle to collect firearms believed to have been used in the robbery and handed them to Constable Magoba.
“Two suspects, the ex-police Sergeant Magoba and Constable Phahla, were arrested. Two vehicles believed to have been used during the robbery were recovered,” Police spokesperson, Mgonseni Nkosi, said.
One of the vehicles was found in Magoba’s grandmother’s residence, while another was found in the bushes near the house. Jele was arrested in Kanyamazane, and he was found with furniture believed to have been bought with his share of the cash.
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Nkosi said Phahla’s case was not enrolled, and Magoba and Jele were denied bail. Magoba was finally released on bail by the Division of the High Court, Mbombela.
The trio made several court appearances, and the case was temporarily taken off the role. However, after more evidence was gathered, the court issued a warrant of arrest for all of them.
Magoba was later arrested in Siyabuswa, and Phahla was arrested in the Vaalbank police station. Both were arrested in December 2024.
Jele was rearrested at Nelspruit Correctional Centre on Wednesday, 26 February, where he was arrested for another Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery.
“The investigation teams’ professionalism ensured the successful investigation and appearance of suspects in court. Their commitment sends a clear message to criminals that we will hunt them down, no matter how long it takes,” Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
