Durban — A ballistics report was still outstanding in investigations into the attempted murder of three police officers following a shoot-out with suspects.
On Monday in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court Siphesihle Hlongwane, Sithabiso Shandu, Siphamandla Sithole and Mondli Gumede appeared charged with attempted murder and being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
The men, who were released last month on R2 000 bail each, are alleged to have been involved in the shoot-out that followed a kidnapping and ransom sting operation, but are yet to be charged with regard to the kidnapping.
“May the matter be adjourned for further investigations as ballistics and chain statements for same were outstanding, witness statements have been filed,” said State prosecutor Nomcebo Xulu on Monday in court.
The matter was then adjourned to next year.
According to the State’s facts in the matter thus far, the men’s charges stemmed from the manner in which they were arrested during a sting operation in relation to a kidnapping.
It’s alleged that a kidnapping case was opened and contact had been made with the family for a ransom of R350 000.
A task team was formed to trace the suspects and a sting operation was set up for a drop of a ransom of R40 000 on Dumisani Makhaye Drive.
According to the State, three warrant officers were undercover carrying a bag meant to have money on the scene.
The State alleges that the team noticed a Toyota Yaris parked at the arranged meeting spot after one of the suspects contacted the relative asking for the money. The occupants of the vehicle then began shooting at the officers numerous times.
When police returned fire, two of the suspects were hit. It’s alleged that a handgun was in the car as well one round of live ammunition.
Their arrest followed the alleged kidnapping of a foreign national where kidnappers demanded a ransom of R350 000, in an Inanda case.
Daily News