A group of police officials and civilians accused of involvement in a house robbery in Lydenburg will remain behind bars after their urgent bail application was halted, thanks to coordinated efforts by the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The case, which has sparked strong public interest, involves four Limpopo-based police officers who were allegedly caught at the scene of a house robbery in a police-branded vehicle belonging to the Limpopo Flying Squad. Local SAPS members responded swiftly to the robbery call, only to find their counterparts allegedly implicated in the crime.
The accused officers were identified as Sergeant Lucky Shogolo (40), Constable Thapelo Ledwaba (34), Constable Malesela Huma (34), and Constable Saraphina Senama (34). They were reportedly identified by the victims as the robbers.
A further twist unfolded when two vehicles loaded with illicit cigarettes fled the scene. One of the vehicles, fitted with tampered number plates, was intercepted. The driver, 29-year-old Sello Komane, was also identified as one of the suspects. Inside a bulletproof vest found in the police vehicle, officers recovered a stash of cash.
A search of the targeted flat uncovered illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R1.5 million, along with R950,000 in cash hidden in plastic bags around the house.
In addition to the five South African suspects, two Ethiopian nationals — Daniel Wikino (38) and Aleyo Shgutey (28) — were charged with possession and dealing in illicit cigarettes. Their matter was postponed to 20 October 2025 to secure an interpreter.
The NPA and Hawks successfully opposed immediate bail, arguing that the investigation must be completed before formal proceedings can continue. The five accused will remain in custody, with a formal bail hearing set for Friday, 17 October 2025.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the illicit cigarettes and the large sum of cash recovered.
