Agreement Mkhari 
A 21-year-old suspect linked to a violent cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery that took place near Mqanduli in 2022 was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 October 2025. The arrest was carried out by a coordinated multi-disciplinary team comprising the Mthatha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).
It is alleged that on 31 October 2022, an armoured vehicle belonging to G4S Security was dispatched from Mthatha to collect cash from businesses around Elliotdale and Mqanduli. At about 14:30, while travelling along the R411 near Cezu Forest, the vehicle was ambushed by a group of armed suspects driving a white Nissan NP300 bakkie.
The suspects reportedly opened fire, forcing the vehicle to stop. The security guards were allegedly disarmed, robbed of their firearms, and ordered to lie face down. The attackers then used explosives to blow open the armoured truck before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Following an extensive investigation, police obtained a search and seizure warrant which led them to a suspect’s home in Upper Ngqwarha, Mqanduli. At around 04:15 on 16 October 2025, the team executed the operation and arrested the suspect on the spot.
He was positively identified and charged for his role in the 2022 CIT robbery. The suspect is expected to appear before the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court on 17 October 2025.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the joint team for their dedication and teamwork. He reaffirmed the Hawks’ commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face justice.
