A POLICE sergeant linked to a cash-in-transit heist said he swam across the river and climbed mountains, running for dear life.
The officer was applying for bail in the Tonga Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 30 June.
Bhekinkosi Godi (39) is among two officers and four people arrested in connection with a cash-in-transit heist in Malelane, Mpumalanga on Friday, 11 August, where R8 000 in coins was stolen.
Bhekifa Ngwenyama (30), Ali Obi Ebrahim (24), Lawrence Lubisi (44), Moosa Vilakazi (38), Collen Nonyane (44), Sergeant Sunday Mashego (39) and Bhekinkosi Godi (39), were bust earlier this month.
They're facing charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit a crime, defeating the ends of justice, as well as contravention of the explosive act.
Attached to the White River flying squad, Godi said he spent more than six hours in the bushes sleeping under a tree after occupants from a car following them allegedly opened fire.
"I was on duty with my colleagues on the N4. Applicant six (Mashego) was the driver. We heard gunshots and fired more shots when we entered the road leading to Kalrug. I immediately got out of the car, and I ran for my dear life. I swam across the river and climbed mountains. I walked until dawn and became tired and slept under a tree. I woke up during the day and walked in the bushes," he said.
Godi said he met a stranger while walking and asked to use his phone to make a call.
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Godi said he called his wife, who told her that police were ransacking their house and allegedly said they wanted to kill him.
"I know nothing about any robbery. I went to buy truck parts and I was never at Malelane. Nothing illegal was found in my possession," he said.
Meanwhile, his co-accused Mashego, who was driving the state car, said he was not at the scene when a Fidelity cash van was robbed.
He told the court that he didn't know anything about the charges. Mashego claimed that he was shot in the right upper arm.
"On 17 August, I was on duty on the N4. As police officers, we were patrolling the N4 public road. I was driving for about 400 metres when I noticed a motor vehicle behind us and suddenly heard gunshots, and the rear window was damaged. I slammed thebrakes, opened the door and ran away," said Mashego.
He said that he never possessed firearms and explosives, and was only found with his service pistol.
The bail hearing was postponed to Thursday, 31 August, for the state to lead its evidence.
