MPUMALANGA – Constable Dumisani Khumalo (32), stationed at Sabie SAPS along with Bongani Shabangu (43) James Mathebula (42) and Masonwabi Mabokwe Thabang Zandonkwani (38) were remanded in custody by the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 09 February 2023. They were arrested by security personnel at Graskop, Tweefontein on Wednesday for charges of theft, possession of suspected stolen property and damage to essential infrastructure.

Their arrest stems from information that was received from Phoenix Security about suspects who were loading Transnet railway tracks at Graskop, Tweefontein. On arrival at the identified address the suspects were caught red-handed whilst loading railway tracks to the truck. The case docket was handed over to the Nelspruit based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further handling and the exhibits were confiscated for further investigation.

The suspects appeared before court and their case was postponed to 16 February 2023 for a formal bail application as they remain in custody. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber commended the multidisciplinary approach displayed by different law enforcement agencies who brought the perpetrators to book. He further warned government employees and said “there is no one above the law. Everyone who commits a crime will face the might of the law. We appeal to the public to refrain from damaging essential infrastructure as it is devastating to the economy of the country”.

Source: South African Police Service