30 Jan 2023

A prosecution witness, Ms Albertinah Kuni Mabengano (53) in the G4S P2.3 million cash heist has told court that she was able to identify the man who tried to rob her car despite the commotion of people who were gathered at the scene.

“He demanded the car keys and I refused,” said Ms Mabengano giving evidence in chief before the Broadhurst Magistrate Court recently.

She told court that on October 13, 2021 she left her place of work, visiting a friend who stayed at GIPS flats. She said she was approached by an unknown man, who wanted to borrow her car and she refused.

She said after that, the man got another opportune moment as another vehicle, a blue Toyota Vitz came to a halt and packed nearby, which he then approached, pulled out a gun, pinned it on the driver’s neck and demanded the car. She told the court that driver, who was accompanied by a female passenger, abandoned the car and fled for safety.

She said the alleged robbers then drove away for a short distance and packed at a nearby yard, where he alighted from the car and got into the yard.

She said a few seconds later, the man emerged from the yard carrying a ‘mozimbabwe bag’ which was maroon and white in colour, assisted by another unknown companion male. 

Ms Mabengano said the duo loaded the bag into the Toyota Vitz, but immediately offloaded it from the car and crossed to the other yard across the road.

At that time, the scene took a dramatic twist, police car sirens, helicopter hovering from above,people from nearby areas  gathered and  the  scene turned into a commotion. 

“I told one of the police officers what had happened and directed them to where the man who robbed the car and his companion disappeared to. While we were still gathered, the man who had earlier attempted to rob my car appeared within the crowd and was now putting on different clothes,” said Ms Mabengano.

She said at the time when the suspect tried to rob her, he was putting on a black long sleeved sweater with a white print across the chest and when he reappeared during the commotion, he was now putting on a blue t-shirt with white print across the chest.

“I alerted the police and the  crime suspect was arrested,” said Ms Mabengano. Ms Mabengano said she was never made aware of the contents of the mozimbabwe bag, besides noticing that something resembling a gun protruded from the bag. “I was not aware how many people were arrested on that day. I only witnessed arrest of the one that had tried to rob my car,” she said.

On one hand, the Toyota Vitz is said to belong to one Tshepo Simba, one of the state witnesses who had earlier narrated to court the horrific incident where he was robbed of his car at gun point at a time when he had gone to consult a spiritual healer, who resided near GIPS flats in Mogoditshane.

Meanwhile, the four accused are Mothusi Alfred Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko and Ntholephi Elliot Ntshalintshali and are charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of fire arm, ammunition and possession of goods stolen outside the country.

The four are accused of robbing G4S Security Company cash over P2.3 million, an AK47 rifle and a pistol on October 13, 2021 at Turn Rite Mall, along Gabane road.

Prosecuting the case is Mr Farayi Mahwite, the first and second accused are represented by Mr Olehile Manchwe while the third and fourth accused are represented by Mr Nkosana Ngwenya. 

The case is before Magistrate Goabaone Rammapudi-Lesedi and trial will continue on February 3. ENDS