Five suspects linked to a cash in transit robbery which took place on Monday appeared at the Cradock and King Williams Town Magistrates courts, respectively on charges of CIT robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, said the robbery happened on the N6-highway near Macleantown and Keiskammahoek when the suspects ambushed an SBV vehicle and fled with cash.
"During the incident, three guards were injured as the vehicle landed on its side during the attack. An SBV escort vehicle was also allegedly shot at and backup was called to the scene," Mgolodela said.
Bongani Mbuyisa, Sbusiso Mavuka and Danielle Nefete were arrested just hours after the robbery on Monday, and appeared before the Cradock Magistrates court on Thursday on charges of CIT robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
According to Mgolodela, the trio was arrested between Cradock and Komani following a high speed chase and shootout when the suspects failed to stop at a roadblock.
They were also in possession of a vehicle which was reported as stolen in Gauteng.
They will return to court on the 7 August for a formal bail application.
Mgolodela said the Hawks were led to a house in Kom Location, Keiskammahoek where a shootout ensued between the response team and the suspects which led to five suspects being fatally wounded.
Two more suspects, 58-eight-year old Lungani Mgunculu, who is believed to be the owner of the house and 43-three-year-old Bulela Didishe were arrested and appeared before the King Williams Town magistrates court on Thursday on the same charges.
Cash in original money bags, three AK 47 riffles, one R1 riffle, four R5 riffles and 17 magazines with a large number of live rounds of ammunition were recovered and seized at the house.
They will also return to court on the 7 August for a formal bail application.
