Robbery, hijacking gang member identified by police
Boksburg detectives have released a photo of a suspect they would like to speak to in connection with a recent spate of robberies and a hijacking case in the city.
The police have identified the man as Bonginkosi Makhaya, from the Vosloorus area; however, he also reportedly stayed in Orlando, Soweto.
Makhaya and his accomplices have allegedly been involved in a spate of crimes in Boksburg.
In one of their latest attacks just after 7am on August 4, Makhaya and about four of his accomplices, all carrying guns, reportedly forced their way into a residential property on Mustang Road, in Sunward Park where they held the homeowners – a woman and her husband – at gunpoint.
After demanding the keys to the safe, they stole two firearms and jewellery, including rings.
One of the robbers fired a shot which injured the husband. The couple was also tied up during the invasion.
The robbers subsequently escaped the scene with the loot and proceeded to a nearby street, Sonskyn Road, where they hijacked a white Mercedes-Benz.
The owner of the vehicle told the police that he was in the car listening to music when he was accosted by three armed men.
They smashed one of the car windows with a firearm. The motorist was then forced to jump out of the car and the suspects then drove away in his car.
“The modus operandi during the robberies includes entering the targeted homes in the early hours of the day. hiding on the property and waiting for the occupants to exit the house. When the unsuspecting victim exits the house, the robbers pounce on him or her.
“They threaten the victim with guns and steal electrical appliances, clothing, jewellery, cellphones, groceries and money which they then load into the victim’s vehicle before fleeing in it,” said Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Cebisa Maseko.
The robbers also reportedly poison dogs on the targeted properties.
Maseko described Makhaya and his accomplices as “armed and dangerous.”
Anyone with information on Makhaya’s whereabouts should contact the investigating officers, Sgt Calvin Mphaphuli on 071 422 7417 and Det Cost Booysen on 083 593 6983.
Alternatively, contact the nearest police station or 10111.
Tip-offs can be made anonymously.
