Swoop nets dangerous suspects
Men wanted for string of crimes arrested at Motherwell house
TWO of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most wanted men have been arrested following a two-week manhunt amid allegations they had drawn up a hit list targeting police officials. Thobelani “Plasma” Ngqoba, 24, and Vuyani “Popsi” Dinisile, 26, who had been on the run from police for four months, were arrested at 5pm on Monday following a tip-off to police.
According to officials, both men were wanted for about 20 serious and violent crimes ranging from murder and armed robbery to house robbery and rape.
By late yesterday morning an internal memo had been distributed to all Bay police stations requesting that all dockets linked to the men be brought to Motherwell Police Station where the investigation would be centralised in efforts to link them to other crimes.
Motherwell station commander Brigadier Keith Meyer said a team of crime prevention officials and detectives was formed to find the men.
“A joint team was formed to track and locate the men after we received information that they were spotted in Motherwell. Part of the information was the men had a hit list of police officers who were attempting to locate them,” he said.
“This joint team has spent two weeks nonstop tracking the suspects. In some cases we missed them by minutes.”
Meyer said crime intelligence operatives were also roped in to assist in locating the men.
“Any threat on a police official or a team of police officials is treated as a high priority . . . a threat like this cannot be taken lightly.”
Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said the task team pounced following a tip-off that the men were hiding in a house in Xolile Street in Motherwell. “Within minutes of the tip-off, police stormed the house.
“One of the suspects was waiting outside as if he were a lookout. The second suspect was found inside the house,” he said.
“The men were found in possession of two suspected stolen firearms that were loaded with ammunition. They did not attempt to flee as the officers caught them by surprise.”
Beetge said the men’s criminal records were still being compiled.
“We suspect they are linked to more crimes, some even as far as the King William’s Town area.
“We are aware that they are wanted for business and house robberies, one dating back to February this year. Other crimes date as far back as 2011 and before.
“Other crimes include rape and murder. In almost all these cases they are linked via forensic evidence to the crimes, while in some of them there are witnesses who place them there.”
Late yesterday afternoon, Beetge said the police criminal record centre was busy building profiles on the men. “We have also sent the two firearms for ballistic testing.
“One of the handguns had its serial number filed off while the other is a private firearm owned by someone in King William’s Town.
“We are investigating how they obtained the firearm. Once the ballistic report is received we will be able to see if they are linked to further firearm-related crimes in the Bay.
“Currently they are charged with illegal possession of the two firearms. However after they appear in court on this charge, they will have to reappear for the string of other cases.”
Beetge was unable to say if either man was currently out on bail or parole relating to past convictions.
They are being held at Motherwell Police Station and are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
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They are wanted for business and
house robberies. Other crimes include rape and murder