A Zimbabwean, who was one of South Africa’s four most wanted criminals, was shot and killed on Sunday during a shootout with the South African Police Service’s elite investigation unit, the Hawks, police confirmed yesterday.
South African police are however withholding the name of the deceased, possibly until his next of kin have been informed.
Another Zimbabwean “hardcore” criminal, Khumbulani Sibanda, and a suspect by the name “Orgies”, who were also listed among South Africa’s top four wanted criminals, which was published on Friday last week, were arrested during the raid.
The incident occurred in Norwood, outside Johannesburg, on Sunday.
Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela confirmed the incident but referred questions to the investigating officer Neville Malila.
“Yes, it’s true a Zimbabwean was shot dead and another one was arrested, but if you want more information, you can get in touch with my colleague, who is handling the case,” he said.
Malila could not be reached for comment.
Sibanda was wanted in connection with 13 bank heists. According to South Africa’s anonymous crime tip-off service Crime Line, the Zimbabweans were part of a gang which specialised in armed robbery.
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Gauteng police published pictures of the gang on Friday and appealed to the public to assist with information on their whereabouts.
They however warned the public to be extremely cautious as the gang was dangerous.
“The men have been linked to scores of bank robberies, cash-in-transit heists and murders,” said Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros, in a joint statement with Crime Line. There is someone out there who knows these suspects and their whereabouts. Don’t approach them. Do the right thing and give us detailed information and we will act.”
Criminal profiles of SA’s most wanted
Criminal Name: Bongani Mojo Full Story: Mojo is wanted in connection with a series of bank robberies across South Africa. He has been linked to at least 34 bank robberies since 2006. He escaped from Boksburg prison on 28 March 2011.
Criminal Name: Khumbulani Sibanda Full Story: Sibanda is wanted in connection with a series of bank robberies across South Africa. He has been linked to 13 bank robberies. He escaped from Boksburg prison on 28 March 2011.
Criminal Name: Unknown Full Story: Referred to as “Orgies”. Wanted in connection with bank robberies across South Africa. It is suspected that he is an accomplice of Mojo and Sibanda.
Criminal Name: Victor Baloyi Full Story: Wanted in connection with cash-in-transit robbery and murder relating to an incident in August 2010 at a Sasol garage on the R511, outside Pretoria. His accomplice, Lazarus Sefala, was arrested and remains in custody.
