Schoemansdal – A cash-in-transit robbery suspect has been granted bail of R1 000 while also facing allegations of attempted murder and unlawful possession of rifles and explosives.
Earlier this week on Monday, 37-year-old Thomas Phistos Mavundla was granted bail by the Schoemansdal Regional Court, Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi on Tuesday recalled that the accused had been re-arrested after he failed to appear in court while on bail.
“He was further charged with attempted cash-in-transit robbery and attempted murder,” said Captain Sekgotodi.
“He was, however, granted R1 000 bail despite his previous failure to attend trial.”
Captain Sekgotodi said the suspect was arrested by the Hawks at his hideout in Numbi, near Malelane on Friday.
“It is alleged that during March 2022, Mavundla was found in possession of five assault rifles, ammunition, and explosives in Schoemansdal,” Captain Sekgotodi said.
“He was then arrested. The accused was later released on bail and absconded from court.
“The case was then transferred to the Hawks for further investigation.”
She said the additional charges against the suspect emanated from the forensic report’s positive outcomes.
“During the investigation, the dedicated team sent the rifles for ballistic testing analysis,” explained Captain Sekgotodi.
“The forensic report was received and the accused was linked to the attempted cash-in-transit robbery and attempted murder which happened earlier the same month.
“The investigation further linked the accused to other cases.”
Despite all the allegations, Captain Sekgotodi said the court on Monday granted Mavundla bail and ordered him to return for trial on 23 January 2024.
