In the aftermath of a harrowing shootout between law enforcement and suspected cash-in-transit robbers in Makhado, Limpopo, the identities of seventeen of the nineteen casualties have now been confirmed.
The deceased have been identified as Mandlakayise Ngcobo, 49, Mzwandile Hlongwane, 43, Siyabonga Mkhunya, 44, Lazarus Ndlovu, 39, Khulekani Sibanda, 42, Collins Disego, 45, Frank Moyo, 43, Alexander Myambi, 24, Mandlenkosi Magangane, 35, Mokwi Ntshetseng, 41, Hope Makhavhu, 46, Lehlohonolo Tshuto, 41, Simbarashe Machingautu, 37, Thabo Thipe, 54, Ramaisa Dipholo, 36, Juliet Mugabe, 27 (female) and Tshilidzi Maluleke, 36 (female).
Among the victims, five hailed from Zimbabwe, while the others were residents of Gauteng and Limpopo. The ongoing identification process seeks to establish the names of the remaining two individuals, according to Hawks spokesperson Matimba Maluleke.
Initially, authorities had reported that 18 individuals suspected of orchestrating a cash-in-transit heist had perished in the shootout. However, a subsequent discovery at the scene led to the tally increasing to nineteen casualties.
As previously reported by SA Trucker, the incident unfolded when law enforcement received intelligence regarding an impending cash-in-transit heist. According to Matimba Maluleke, the suspected robbers had intended to execute the heist in the Makhado area that day.
As they left a residence, presumably to carry out the crime, they became aware of police surveillance and opened fire, sparking a 90-minute gunfight.
Simultaneously, another group of officers apprehended five individuals at a house in Thohoyandou, believed to be connected to the suspects in Makhado.
The operation yielded the discovery of 11 firearms, ammunition, magazines, explosives, detonators, boosters, lead cords, and raw explosives. Additionally, five vehicles were seized, three of which had been reported stolen in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
The five arrested individuals, Asanda Maqhawu, 33; Charity Makhwedzana, 34; Ramabele Peta, 47; Vusimuzi Ramabekae, 51; and Sillo Mposi, 48, appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
They face an array of charges, including possession of suspected stolen vehicles, theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, and fraud.
The court has postponed the case to October 3, 2023, to facilitate further investigation.
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