In a dramatic turn of events, the Free State High Court sitting in Bloemfontein has handed down convictions for Ignatious Sibusiso Mashinini (42) and his co-accused, Sello Lucky Serumula (43), following their involvement in a high-stakes cash van heist that took place on 4 September 2020. The duo faced charges of robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and the theft of a motor vehicle.
The criminals executed a daring attack by ramming into a cash van in Bloemfontein, stealing firearms from security personnel, and deploying explosives to crack open a safe. The Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Mangaung Metro Task Team swiftly responded, engaging the robbers in a fierce shootout. The chase culminated in the arrest of Serumula, with the recovery of cash, high-caliber firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The investigation revealed that the convicts were not only responsible for the targeted cash van heist but also linked to a series of hijackings and motor vehicle thefts in Gauteng. The stolen vehicles were subsequently used as getaway cars or set ablaze after cash-in-transit robberies.
In a bizarre twist, a severed middle finger, confirmed to belong to Mashinini, was discovered at the crime scene—a crucial piece of evidence that ultimately led to his positive identification and arrest on 13 November 2020 in Benoni.
Despite losing a finger during the intense shootout with law enforcement, Mashinini’s conviction underscores the dedication and tenacity of the investigative teams involved. Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), commended the officers for their bravery and unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The verdict serves as a testament to the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in swiftly responding to and resolving high-profile criminal incidents, sending a clear message that violent criminal activities will not go unpunished.