GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Swift reaction from combined police forces from the Graaff-Reinet and Cradock Clusters led to the arrest of four suspects, following an armed robbery at the Post Office in Somerset East last Friday, 10 May.
Two armed men entered the Post Office at about 12:00. The robbers, who had not covered their faces, instructed the staff and customers to lie face down on the floor, which they did. An undisclosed amount of money was handed over to the robbers, who then fled the scene in a vehicle.
Members from Graaff Reinet Operational Command Centre, as well as members from the Graaff-Reinet Dog Unit, members from Somerset East Police and Cookhouse Visible Policing responded promptly to the emergency, and set off in pursuit of the armed robbers.
Two of the suspects were arrested as they were crossing a river on foot in Cookhouse on the way to a hiking spot on the N10 road. The suspects were found to be in possession of three firearms and live ammunition, which was confiscated. The arrested men are 38 year old Lunging Boyana, and Xola Nikelo (22).
Further information led the police to another suspect at a house in Vuyo Street, Cookhouse. When the premises were searched, a woman, 49-year old Tembeka Majoko, was found in possession of an undisclosed amount of money. It is suspected that she was paid to allow her house to be used by the robbers to share out the spoils and complete their final plans.
Two of the suspects, Xola Nikelo (22) and Lunging Boyana (38).
A woman employed by the Post Office, who is thought to have given information to the armed men, was later also arrested in Somerset East. She has been named as 44year old Fundiswa Dyasi.
The police success is credited to good investigation, cooperation, and fresh information from witnesses.
The four suspects appeared in court in Somerset East on Monday 13 May on charges relating to possession of suspected stolen money and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The case was remanded until 21 May.
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