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On Thursday, November 30, during the early hours of the morning, the Provincial Hawks Cash-In-Transit Task Team from the Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Mthatha K9 unit, Crime Intelligence (CI), Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit, Corporate Communication Section, Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) and Tactical Response Team (TRT) arrested Tholakele Makhamba (39) for possession of unlicensed firearm and motor vehicles at Magutywa area in Tsolo.
Makhamba made his first court appearance at Tsolo Magistrate’s Court on December 1.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the multi-disciplinary disruptive operation executed search warrants which were authorised in three identified homesteads that reportedly belonged to one specific owner.
"During the disruptive operation, the joint team searched the first two houses and nothing was found. Thereafter, the team proceeded to the third house in the same locality where Makhamba was found in one of the rooms," said Mhlakuvana.
"During the search, the team recovered and seized a 9mm pistol with two magazines with live rounds of ammunition as well as six different types of cell phones inside the room where he was sleeping."
Mhlakuvana said upon a further search, the team allegedly recovered a silver Toyota Fortuner, a white Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie, and a Hino truck that was parked inside the yard.
"Preliminary investigation was done and revealed that the vehicles were stolen from various areas including outside the province," said Mhlakuvana.
"The vehicles were confiscated for further investigation."
Tsolo Magistrate’s court remanded Makhamba in custody and to re-appear on December 5, for a formal bail application.
The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya hailed the arrest and highly praised the joint team for the good work.
