Warrants of arrest issued against bail absconders
NKANDLA Magistrate’s Court has issued warrants of arrest against three bail skippers.
In one case, Sibonangaye Hlophe (20) and Bongani Griffiths Ngobeni (28) are facing charges of murder and hijacking.
They are accused of stabbing to death Sipho Gcaba (40) who was hijacked and killed in his vehicle on 25 August 2019.
KZN Saps spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said the deceased was visiting his friend at Sakhile location in Nkandla when the incident occurred.
“It is alleged the deceased was approached by three armed suspects who demanded his car keys. Gcaba refused, and was stabbed in the chest and collapsed.
"The suspects took the vehicle and drove away in an unknown direction.
“Gcaba was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival.
“The vehicle was later found abandoned in the Melmoth area,” said Gwala.
She explained that a case of murder and one of hijacking were registered at Nkandla police station for investigation.
“An intensive investigation led to the arrest of Hlophe, Khayelihle Thabiso (23), and Ngobeni.
“The trio appeared at Nkandla Magistrate’s Court on 21 October last year.
“They were granted bail of R5 000 each and the case was remanded to
5 November 2021.
“Hlophe and Ngobeni of Zwelisha area in Verulam skipped bail and have been on the run since,” she said.
In another incident, a warrant of arrest was issued by the same court against Khayelihle Maxwell Zuke (49) who is also on the run, said Gwala.
“Zuke was arrested for two cases of murder, attempted murder, and robbery. He was arrested with his 11 co-accused who were remanded in custody.
"The court granted Zuke bail, but his co-accused were denied bail. The Nkandla Magistrates’ Court issued a warrant of arrest since he failed to attend court proceedings," she said.
Gwala alleges that at about 1am on 9 August last year, police received information about suspects planning to commit robbery at a business premises in Nkandla.
“The police wasted no time in proceeding to the scene where they saw three vehicles with 15 passengers. When the suspects spotted the police vehicles, they opened fire and the police retaliated, fatally wounding two suspects.
"The remaining suspects attempted to flee the scene but lost control of their vehicles and were arrested. The vehicles were searched, and four unlicensed firearms and explosives were recovered.
"They were arrested and charged accordingly.
“We appeal to anyone who may have information regarding the suspect, to contact investigating officer Sergeant Ndlela on 072 2287582 / 082 5575507/ 035 8330053 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Gwala.