FUGITIVE REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

By Thabiso Nkuna

The Kabokweni Magistrate Court remanded Mphendulo Absina Hassane (34), who was charged with Robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted murder, in detention on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. After a buccal sample obtained during his arrest connected Hassane, who is currently free on bond for a cash-in-transit case that occurred in August 2023 on Malelane Road, to the case, he made his appearance. Forensic Laboratory received a sample of his blood to test.
DNA testing revealed a connection between Mphendulo Absina Hassane and his fellow suspect, who was also freed on bond for the Malelane cash-in-transit heist. He is associated with an additional robbery case that occurred on July 6, 2020, at approximately 20:15 at U-Save, Msogwaba, Mpumalanga.

During the incident, two security guards were ambushed by eight armed thieves. The accused was hurt when the second security guard was able to return fire. Blood samples collected from the site were sent to a forensic facility for examination. Blood samples taken during the cash-in-transit robbery in Malelane connected Hassane to the Msogwaba robbery. The case was given to the Serious Organised Crime case team stationed in Hawks Nelspruit; it was diligently pursued and concluded. On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the warrant of arrest was authorised and carried out. After being detained and charged, the accused appeared in Kabokweni Magistrate Court to request bail. The date of judgement was set for Thursday, July 4, 2024. He is still being held. Investigations are ongoing.