Investigating Warrant Officer, Albert De Lange, has described the three cops linked to a Cash-In-Transit heist as a threat to state security.
He was testifying during their bail hearing in the Tonga Magistrates Court on Monday, 4 September.
Bhekifa Ngwenyama (30), Ali Obi Ebrahim (24), Lawrence Lubisi (44), Moosa Vilakazi (38) and three police Sergeants, Collen Nonyane (44), Sunday Mashego (39) as well as Bhekinkosi Godi (39) were arrested in August 2023.
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They face charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit a crime, defeating the ends of justice and contravention of the explosives act.
The charges emanate from a failed cash-in-transit heist which occurred in August in Malelane, Nkomazi in Mpumalanga.
Nonyane, Mashego and Godi who are attached to the White River flying squad were linked to the crime through a firearm that was stolen from a Fidelity Security guard on the day of the incident.
De Lange told the court that if the suspects were to be released on bail, they would interfere with the investigation which was still underway. He said most of them have criminal contacts which could assist them in escaping the country and evading trial.
De Lange said the accused work as an organised syndicate and would therefore leak information to the outstanding suspects.
"The fact that some are members of the South African Police and involved in these cases is a danger to the public and individuals. They have no regard to the rule of law. Not to mention the safety of other police members that are not involved in criminal activities.
"These are not common criminals. They are an organised gang, a syndicate. They don't just consist of gunmen and explosives, they are a chain consisting of runners, informers and people involved in all aspects of life, " he said.
De Lange further added that their release would have a negative effect on the public by putting the lives of witnesses in danger. He said police members that are influenced and turned into gang syndicates know police strategies. They know the manner of working.
"They are in a specialised unit, they deal with high way patrol and in many instances they form part of the team investigating Cash-In-Transit crimes. They attend to 90% of CIT incidents, they are tasked to follow us when we are busy tracing suspects. In the end our lives are in danger as well. They give out information, they are jeopardising our lives as police officers and community members," he concluded.
The matter was rolled over to Tuesday, 5 September for further hearing.
