Two individuals from the Free State have been convicted in the Free State High Court sitting in Bloemfontein for their involvement in a cash-in-transit heist.
Ignatious Sibusiso Mashinini, aged 42, and Sello Lucky Serumula, aged 43, were found guilty of multiple charges, including robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and theft of a motor vehicle.
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The incident occurred on September 4, 2020, in Bloemfontein when Mashinini and Serumula rammed into a cash van. They proceeded to steal firearms from security personnel and used explosives to blast open a safe.
However, their actions did not go unnoticed, as members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Mangaung Metro Task Team quickly responded and initiated a chase.
During the pursuit, there was a heavy exchange of fire, leading to the arrest of Serumula. In addition to apprehending him, the officers also recovered cash, firearms, high-caliber ammunition, and explosives.
Further investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in a series of hijackings and motor vehicle thefts in Gauteng, which they used as getaway vehicles or set on fire after cash-in-transit robberies.
Mashinini managed to escape initially but left behind a crucial piece of evidence – his middle finger. This evidence, found at the crime scene, positively linked him to the robbery. On November 13, 2020, he was traced to Benoni and apprehended.
The head of the Hawks in the Free State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, commended all the officers involved for their bravery and swift action in apprehending the duo. The successful conviction of Mashinini and Serumula serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are committed to combating cash-in-transit heists and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
This outcome highlights the dedication and effectiveness of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and other law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of the public. Such convictions play a vital role in deterring future criminal activities and maintaining the rule of law in our society.
