Suspected cash-in-transit robber in court for 2012 'heist'

THE Hawks believe they have a strong case against a suspected cash-in-transit robber, who was linked to the crime allegedly committed nearly 15 years ago following his questioning while  imprisoned for a different crime. 

On Tuesday Mawonga Gxenya, 49, appeared at the Wynberg Regional Court after he was requisitioned.

Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi said Gxenya was linked after extensive sleuth work by the Hawks related to a cash robbery in Table View in which a guard was shot and wounded. 

Gxenya’s appearance follows allegations that during December 2012 a cash vehicle arrived at Caltex Garage, Main Road, Table View.

“One armed guard went to the cash office to collect cash, afterwards, he was approached by two unknown male suspects. The guard allegedly dropped the cash box and attempted to flee. As he was on the run, one of the suspects shot him in the stomach but he survived. 

“The suspects allegedly picked up the cash box and fled the scene in a Nissan Sentra sedan which was later recovered abandoned.”

According to Vukubi, the investigation by the Hawks' National Priority Violent Crime team revealed that the vehicle was stolen in Athlone and one of the suspects allegedly dropped a brown firearm holster when fleeing the scene. 

This assisted in the investigation.

“Gxenya was later linked and traced to Helderstroom Prison where he was in custody for an unrelated matter. He was requisitioned for 31 December 2024 and charged. 

“The accused made his first appearance at Wynberg Regional Court on 30 September. The matter was postponed to 31 October 2025 for a pre-trial conference as he was remanded in custody,” said Vukubi. 

Cape Times