Cape Town - The Hawks have requested a review of a decision by a magistrate in Khayelitsha to release three suspected cash-intransit (CIT) robbers who survived a shoot-out with the police’s Special Task Force several weeks ago.
This was revealed by the national head of the Hawks, Godfrey Lebeya, yesterday, as officers called on the public to help them trace the three men.
During the dramatic shoot-out, eight suspects were declared dead while five survived.
At the time, the task force and the Hawks were hailed as heroes by Capetonians after it was revealed that the group had been intercepted before they could embark on a heist.
The suspects allegedly opened fire on the task force as officers approached the house where they were hiding out.
In the property, police found of assault rifles and explosives. Days later, Tebogo Maluke, Cassiem Feni and Avuyile Mjongwana made their first appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court, while two others were absent as they were still in hospital.
During proceedings, Feni’s legal counsel, Josua Greeff, argued that his client had been behind bars for more than 48 hours and claimed his appearance in court was unlawful.
Magistrate Brendale Abrahams agreed and removed the case from the roll. The remaining two suspects were subsequently remanded in custody.
The Hawks have since released a statement calling on the public to help them trace the trio. Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said they had launched a manhunt for the suspects, who were wanted over attempted murder and possession of prohibited firearms.
Responding to questions from the Cape Argus at a press conference yesterday, Lebeya confirmed that investigators had asked the NPA to request a review of the magistrate’s decision.
“In the CIT matter where the suspects were released in the Western Cape and whether we are in agreement with the decision taken … we have obtained warrants for all those that were involved.” Anyone who can identify the suspects or knows their whereabouts is asked to call Captain Swan on 082 469 2164 or Sergeant Hlatshaneni at 082 479 6265.
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus