Wanted suspect Philani Amos Mhlongo (26) appeared at the Maphumulo Magistrate’s Court yesterday on numerous counts of robbery and the matter was remanded to 14 July 2021 for a bail application.
The accused was arrested on 5 July 2021 by Nsuze police officers while he was on his way to Tongaat. Police received information about the wanted suspect and that he was in a taxi. Nsuze police mobilised and followed the taxi, which the suspect was in. The police officers intercepted the taxi at Ntabamhlophe under the Nsuze policing precinct.
When the suspect was caught, he was in possession of a 9mm pistol with 12 rounds of ammunition. He was placed under arrest for being in unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Investigations revealed that the suspect and his friend stole the firearm during an armed robbery at a pension pay point in Kwa-Thayela where a security guard who was performing his duties was robbed.
Mhlongo is also linked to three robbery cases that took place this year in the Nsuze area. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to ascertain if it was used in the commission of other offences.
