Fidelity robbery: Six suspects nabbed, due in court

Six suspects are expected to make an appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, 17 May 2021, facing several charges of armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, in connection to an incident at Fidelity offices in Pretoria, Hercules.

In November 2020, a group of heavily armed indivuals are said to have invaded the security company’s offices and fled the scene with millions in cash.

“It is alleged that in November 2020, a group of unknown heavily armed men wearing Fidelity uniforms and balaclavas tied up security guards to gain entry into the premises,” said Hawks spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu.

“The suspects ground down doors leading to the offices to gain entry into the vault and security personnel in the office were held hostage before the suspects made off with approximately R24 million in cash”

Hawks spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu

The suspects are said to have left the scene in getaway vehicles.

Hawks: Fidelity robbery suspects arrested in sting operation

According to the Hawks, the latest arrests were made on Friday, 14 May 2021.

“On Friday, 14 May 2021, a multi-disciplinary approach driven operation was conducted in Hammanskraal, Lotus Gardens, and Phillip Nel in Pretoria by Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Johannesburg, National CIT Task Team, Technical Operations Management, Crime Intelligence, and Traffic Saturated Unit resulted to a successful apprehension of six men who were positively linked to armed robbery allegations at the Fidelity offices in Hercules last year,” the elite crime-fighting unit said.

“During the suspects’ apprehension, the investigation team seized unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” it added.

These aren’t the only arrests in relation to the Fidelity armed robbery however, as three other people were handcuffed just a week after the incident took place.

“A week after the armed robbery, police traced and arrested three suspects, Thulani Zwane (49),  David Mashele (46), Daniel Morobe (32) in Protea Glen and Braamfischer respectively and undisclosed amount of money was seized,” Mulamu said.

“Zwane, Mashele, and Morobe have since been remanded in custody.  Investigation continues and outstanding suspects pursued”