Taxi bosses in the Eastern Cape have expressed shock after three taxi owners, including a former Border Alliance chair, were arrested in separate crime bursts that shook the province this week.
Former Border Alliance chair Peter Mgunculu, relative to Onke Mgunculu, former Amahlathi mayor and current Amathole speaker, was arrested among the alleged members of the N6 cash-in-transit heist gang, after dramatic scenes unfolded as five suspects were killed in a shoot-out with members of the tactical response unit allegedly hiding in Mgunculu’s house in Kom location, Keiskammahoek, on Monday.
The heist happened on the N6 between East London and Stutterheim, near Macleantown.
The robbers used explosives to bomb an SBV armoured vehicle to gain access to the cash.
During the operation, Mgunculu survived the shooting and was arrested. Bulela Irvin Didishe, 43, was arrested the after day.
The pair appeared before the Qonce court Thursday and will next appear on August 7 for a formal bail application.
Mgunculu is well-known in Kom as an entrepreneur and owns Aya Rugby Club, which is registered in the Border Rugby Union.
Three more suspects, Bongani Mbuyisa, 48, Sbusiso Mavuka, 44, and Danielle Nefete 46, all from outside the Eastern Cape, also with links to Monday’s brazen heist, appeared in the Cradock magistrate’s court on Thursday on charges for cash-in-transit robbery, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The trio were arrested in a Porsche Cayenne stolen in Gauteng full of an undisclosed amount of cash during a roadblock by Gqeberha police members.
In another incident, an East London taxi boss was arrested with three other suspects after a Chinese national, who was kidnapped in Qonce at the weekend, was rescued in his home in Palana, Mooiplaas, early on Thursday.
The brother of the Chinese national was also abducted. A ransom of R350,000 was paid.
Police acted on information which led them to the house of the taxi owner, who cannot be named before appearing in court.
A shotgun, 11 boxes of ammunition in different calibres, a safe and suspected stolen property were recovered.
Later on Thursday, another taxi owner, aged 54, was arrested after the execution of a search warrant by tactical response team members in Gonubie.
According to provincial spokesperson Col Siphokazi Mawisa, police acted on information about a man in possession of drugs and unlicensed firearm in a house at Mzamomhle township at about 5pm.
Mawisa said the police approached the house and informed the owner of the search warrant and, upon searching, they found an unlicensed firearm (Norinco), SAPS uniform belts and ammunition of different firearms.
On investigation police discovered that the firearm’s serial number had been filed off and they arrested the suspect for possession of unlicensed firearm.
The suspect is expected to appear before the East London magistrate’s court.
When asked if it was related to the kidnapping of the Chinese national, Mawisa said: “We cannot confirm at the moment that will form part of the investigation.”
Speaking to the Dispatch, taxi association bosses have distanced themselves from the acts of its members.
Border Alliance president Mpanda said they were shocked when they received the news of Mgunculu’s arrest.
He said Mgunculu had no longer been active in the association’s daily business.
“We are still shocked about what happened, especially in his home. We have nothing to do involving his private life same way he has nothing to do with ours. We are just shocked like everyone else,” he said.
Santaco B provincial chair Gabs Mtshala said he was saddened by Mgunculu’s arrest but that they needed to verify membership of other arrested taxi owners.
“The matter involving Mgunculu was shocking,” Mtshala said. “For us he is someone who we look up to and respect in the industry.
“I know his health was not OK as a result of other engagements and we did not call him because of it.
“I have not received enough information on the other two but I will gather to hear who they are and what association they are affiliated to.
“Because not everyone is a taxi boss. I will verify their information and inform other leaders of the association to get their input on the matter.”
Santaco A provincial chair Zola Yolelo could not be reached for comment.
Last month, provincial transport & community safety MEC Xolile Nqatha said he had heard allegations that the taxi industry had been infiltrated by extortionists.
At the time, Yolelo refuted the claim.
Nqatha said taxi violence, more than other matters affecting the industry, was caused by wars over turf.
District commissioner Maj-Gen Christopher Wright appreciated the valuable information shared by members of the public and praised the tactical response team, saying they wasted no time in arresting those who broke the law.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.