NOTORIOUS gangster Sydney Sangweni Shabangu (25), along with co-accused Thabang Tsela (27) and Siphiwe Monda Morepa (24), appeared in the Mkhuhlu Magistrates Court for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition on Wednesday, 4 May.
But the suspects, from Marite near Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga, were remanded in custody until Wednesday, 11 May, for formal bail application.
However Shabangu, who was also linked to the police murder in Kabokweni and charged with a spate of business robberies with aggravating circumstances, was due to appear on 23 May.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed that on 13 January, the four suspects, using a white Toyota Corolla, entered Ximhungwe Spar and robbed it of cash in the drop safe, tills and containers.
“They also took cigarettes, a printer, liquor and cellphones belonging to employees. The total value of cash was estimated to be R40 000,” he said.
“On 10 April, police received a tip-off that the wanted suspects were seen at Alexander Trust near Marite. They found Shabangu in a silver grey Opel Corsa with two occupants. They recovered a 9mm firearm pistol from him. The other two suspects had nothing illegal in their possession, and they were all arrested,” he added.
Preliminary investigation and testing showed that the firearm was linked to the murder in Kabokweni while the vehicle was found to have been hijacked in Bushbuckridge.
Mohlala said Shabangu confirmed that the car was hijacked with his friends, and they were charged for possession of suspected stolen property while he was additionally charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“On 11 April, police received another tip-off that the remaining suspect, named Evans Mavimbela (30), was seen at Alexander – his place of residence. They found a star Norinco 9mm pistol, of which he failed to produce its license. He was arrested and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Cops also seized a VW Polo used in the hijacking,” added Mohlala.
