Net closing on Sosh paypoint robbers

The Hawks have intensifed their investigation into the armed robbery at a social grants payout point at Soshanguve Mall after one of the victims died.

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Johannesburg - The Hawks have intensified their probe into the armed robbery at a social grants payout point at the Soshanguve Plaza almost three months ago, following the death of one of the victims from her injuries.

Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed that an elderly woman had died.

It is understood the woman had been admitted to hospital several times after the shooting, in which at least 12 people were wounded outside the Net 1 Financial Services outlet at the plaza on July 1.

They were a disabled man who was shot in the back, eight elderly women and a man who were wounded in the legs and hips, and two Fidelity Guards employees who were shot in the legs.

Four of the men suspected to have been involved have been arrested.

Mulaudzi said the net was closing in on the rest of the gang members.

The robbers got away with more than R300 000.

The four arrested made their second appearance in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Their case was postponed to September 18, when they are to apply for bail.

Jerome Komane, 31, William Magaledisa, 46, Steven Malajie, 27, and Thapelo Maimane, 28, have been remanded.

Mulaudzi said the investigating team were in Soshanguve this week to inform the victims about the arrests of the four men.

An identity parade would be held on Thursday.

“The net is indeed closing in on the remaining members of the gang.

“We believe that there could have been 10 at the time of the crime.”

The Sunday Independent