QONCE- A 36-year-old man, Sophumelela Devilliers Mani, made a brief appearance in court after being linked to a daring cash-in-transit robbery at the Big Daddy retail outlet in Qonce.
The incident, which occurred on June 5th, saw assailants targeting a Fidelity Cash Solutions vehicle collecting money from the store.
According to Eastern Cape SAPS, the robbers shot a guard who was transporting a bag of cash, before fleeing with the money in a silver Suzuki Ertiga.
Swift action by a collaborative police team led to Mani’s arrest at a residence in the Kwalini area of Zwelitsha on June 7th.
Authorities found ink-stained banknotes from the robbery and a stolen Volkswagen Golf 6 at the property. Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana reported that Mani could not explain the presence of the vehicle and was subsequently taken into custody.
Mhlakuvana stated, “He has been charged in connection with the CIT robbery and remains in custody, with a bail hearing set for June 18, 2025.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the public is urged to provide any relevant information to assist the case.
The shocking events of the cash-in-transit robbery have stirred concern in the local community, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in combating such criminal activities.