THE suspected mastermind behind the gang robbery at Five Ways Mall in Empangeni last year has been denied bail.
Skhumbuzo Goodman Mpanza (34) made his second appearance at the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court last week and the case was remanded to 2 March for a Regional Court date.
The prime suspect faces a string of counts, including possession of a stolen motor vehicle, armed robbery, business robbery, attempted murder, house breaking, carjacking, theft of motor vehicle and stock theft.
While he remains in custody at the Empangeni SAP before his next court appearance, he is also expected to be sent to Durban to face other charges.
Earlier this month, members of the Empangeni Crime Intelligence together with Rapid Response Police Unit: KZN apprehended Mpanza at a homestead in Nkonjane area near KwaDlangezwa.
Mpanza, who had been on the run in KZN for the past two years, was linked by means of fingerprints to several other crimes in Richards Bay, Empangeni, Pongola, Ongoye, Mtunzini, Pongola, Newlands East and Phoenix.
In May last year, he was involved in a robbery at Tops at Spar in Empangeni, shooting and injuring a Durban-based policeman, who had intercepted the armed gang.
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