THE trial of an alleged cash heist syndicate accused of repeatedly robbing employees of G4S Security Company at gunpoint, is proceeding in the Mtubatuba High Court today.
The armed gang is alleged to have stolen a vehicle, robbed large amounts of cash and other items and attempted to kill at least three people, in a spree of violence.
The accused are Dickson Zithazakhe Nene (42) of Mtubatuba, Ephraim Ntokozo Dube (29) of eSikhawini, Vusi Gina (31) of Dukuduku, Thuthukani Mnguni (31) of eSikhawini, Phumlani Sithembiso Mvelase (29) of eSikhawini, Bongani Siyabonga Ntuli (28) of Machibini and Enock Khulekani Mbatha (36) also of Machibini.
The men are charged with several counts of theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The State, represented by Advocate Dorian Paver, is alleging that the accused and others, conspired to form a syndicate with the common purpose to target and rob G4S employees, while collecting cash from clients.
The crimes were committed during 22 May to 9 September 2013 at Maxwell Street in Empangeni, Spar store at Hlabisa, Power Spar store at Mtubatuba, the Spar store at Hluhluwe and the Boxer Super City Empangeni.
According to the indictment, the gang stole a Toyota Yaris in Empangeni, which was later used as a getaway car in their first robbery at Hlabisa Spar, three days later, where G4S employees, Muzikhona Mbatha and Philani Nsele were on duty.
Mbatha collected the cash container but on his way to the vehicle driven by Nsele, two assailants pointed a firearm at him and fled with the cash.
Nsele and Mbatha pursued the attackers and gunfire was exchanged between the vehicles.
Nsele rammed the Yaris, where after the occupants abandoned the cash and firearm and fled on foot.
On 2 July, the gang struck again, when Muziwenhlanla Simelane collected cash from Mtubatuba Power Spar.
Two armed men confronted him and made off with the cash and his 9mm pistol and ammunition.
On 20 August, a similar modus operandi was used to rob G4S employee, Bongani Mpungose at Hluhluwe Spar, when two men robbed him of the cash, his revolver and ammunition.
One of the assailants then shot Mpungose in the leg and fled the scene with the cash container and the firearm.
Mpungose was rushed to hospital.On 6 September, Dumisani Gumede of G4S, collected cash at Boxer Superstore, Empangeni.
While Gumede was still in the store, two assailants confronted him, pointed firearms at him and instructed him to lie on the floor.One shot at the cash container. They also removed a revolver containing ammunition from his possession and fled from the scene.
On 27 September, Enock Nkwanyana collected cash at Boxer Super City store at Empangeni.
Two armed men confronted him and robbed him of a cash container and his revolver.
The firearms were later recovered by SAPS.
The trial is proceeding with Judge Trevor Gorven on the bench.
