DURBAN – On 28 April 2022 at 15:30, two men were travelling in Nkandla transporting 100 boxes of body lotion. Whist they were proceeding to Nkandla, 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 drivers licence was expired and the traffic officers demanded a bribe of R1000-00, which was given to them. On their way to Nkandla, a white double cab emerged with two occupants. One, who was wearing a facemask with a police emblem, came out of the vehicle, pointed a firearm at the victims and forced them to lie down. 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 R3000-00 in cash from the victim. Charges of robbery, attempted theft of motor vehicle, kidnapping and bribery were opened for investigation at Nkandla SAPS.

Later on the same day, three traffic officers, Noxolo Velile Mngoma (23), Silindile Samukelisiwe Biyela (24) and Sandile Bongumenzi Zulu (26) 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.

On 09 August 2022, a police officer stationed at Empangeni Detectives, Sergeant Sicelo Mabanga (44) and a tow truck owner Mduduzi Nsizwa Maluleka (46) were traced placed under arrest. 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 application.

Source: South African Police Service