Case of “pervert robbers” postponed

By Victor Mukwevho

The case against the two suspects who allegedly instructed students who were preparing for their matric examinations last year to remove their clothes before robbing them was postponed to 8 February for a formal bail application. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

Mulaifa Sikhipha and Shumani Ndlovu appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 27 January, and were charged with armed robbery, eight counts of house robberies and three counts of sexual assault. Most of the tomers inside the Pick ‘n Pay Express shop on the premises.

“As the security guards collected the money from inside the shop, they were held up at gunpoint,” Radzilani said.

The suspects made their escape with an undisclosed amount of money in a white Hyundai hatchback. They were heading in the direction of the N1. The vehicle was later found abandoned near the old municipal dumping site.

The police are still investigating how the men got away after the robbery. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made.

In the meantime, the police have appealed to the public for assistance that could lead to the robbers’ being brought to book.

One of the customers who was inside the Pick ‘n Pay shop, who wants to remain anonymous, told the media that the security guards were cornered by the armed men on their way to their vehicle. Other men were waiting at one of the pumps at the filling station.