Former Police Officers Remanded for Cash-in-Transit Heist

Two former police officers, Zachariah Magopa and George Phaahla (both 41), have been remanded in custody following their appearance at the Vaalbank Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in connection with a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery.

The arrests were carried out by a team from the Middelburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence Covert Section, Mpumalanga, and the Ekangala Flying Squad.

The Incident

The case stems from a February 1, 2021, incident in the Senotlelo area, where a G4S armored vehicle was attacked by an unknown group of suspects who stole R5.8 million. Investigations revealed the involvement of the two officers from the Vaalbank Police Station.

Sgt. Phaahla reportedly used a state vehicle to transport firearms from Kwamhlanga and handed them to Const. Magopa. These firearms were later used in the heist. Both officers made confessions, and several vehicles used in the crime, along with an undisclosed amount of cash, were recovered during the investigation.

Initial Proceedings

Both officers were initially arrested and appeared in court on February 11, 2021. A third suspect, Bongumusa Jele, was also apprehended and added to the case docket. However, the case was struck off the roll on August 25, 2021, due to delays in receiving forensic reports.

Re-Arrests and Current Developments

After forensic reports were finalized, the case was re-opened, leading to the re-arrest of all three suspects. On December 17, 2024, Magopa was detained in Siyabuswa, while Phaahla was arrested at his workplace the following day. Both suspects appeared in court on December 18, and their case was postponed to February 27, 2025.

The investigation continues, with another suspect currently detained at Witbank Prison for an unrelated cash-in-transit case.

Authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served.