“Baddies Doing Things”: Mzansi Left Slack-Jawed as Mpumalanga Traffic Cop Gets Caught Red-Handed in Daring CIT Heist
A traffic officer has been arrested for her alleged involvement in an attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
The officer, identified as 29-year-old Khanyisile Viola Nyalunga, appeared in the Hazyview Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 31, facing a slew of serious charges.
The Robbery
The incident that led to Nyalunga’s arrest occurred on Thursday, July 27, in the heart of Hazyview. A Fidelity Security armoured vehicle (AV) was transporting cash when it was ambushed by a gang of armed robbers driving a grey Mercedes-Benz. The robbers rammed the AV and opened fire, hoping to get away with the loot.
However, their plan was foiled by the swift response of law enforcement agencies, who arrived at the scene and engaged in a fierce gun battle with the criminals. The robbers were forced to flee, leaving behind their vehicle and some of their weapons. No injuries or fatalities were reported among the security personnel or bystanders.
How The Mpumalanga Traffic Cop Was Involved In The CIT Heist
The investigation into the attempted CIT heist took an unexpected twist when evidence surfaced linking Nyalunga, a traffic officer in the Mbombela district, to the criminal gang. According to the prosecution, Nyalunga was in contact with the robbers before and during the attack and provided them with information and assistance to carry out their scheme.
Nyalunga faced charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery under aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The court heard that Nyalunga had confessed to her role in the heist attempt and that she had received a payment of R50 000 from the gang for her services.
The court also heard that Nyalunga was not acting alone, and that she had an accomplice who was also a traffic officer in the same district. The accomplice, whose name has not been revealed, is still at large and is being sought by the police.
Nyalunga’s lawyer argued that she was coerced into participating in the heist by threats and intimidation from the gang and that she had no prior criminal record.
South African online were startled by the cop’s involvement in the heist.
Tlhohonolofatso:
“There is always a law enforcement officer somewhere in these syndicates.”
Chenthehen:
“Baddies doing bad things.”
Keba:
“By just looking at her Face you can see a heavy smoker, Savanna drinker and a criminal. The government hires people without further screening them.”
Doyenne:
“After Putin fear my gender!!!”