Zinhle Mapumulo
Zinhle Mapumulo
The case against 19 men, dubbed the Eastern Cape 19 gang, is being recalled to court.
The NPA has found new evidence that could lead to the conviction of the gang. The men, aged between 23 and 38 years, are believed to be members of a gang specialising in cash-in-transit heists and armed robberies.
They were arrested at an abandoned warehouse outside East London in February last year.
The gang was allegedly found in possession of an undisclosed amount of money, five R5 rifles, two AK-47 assault rifles, eight 9mm pistols, 599 rounds of ammunition, six stolen cars, police registration numbers, 20 cellphones, 16 IDs and two police bulletproof vests and teargas canisters.
A map allegedly detailing a West Bank Coin Security premise was also confiscated.
The gang appeared in the Mdantsane regional court facing several charges. But seven months later, charges against them were provisionally withdrawn because "there was not enough evidence".
Police spokesman Captain Steven Marley confirmed that the gang has been summoned to reappear in court next month.
He said crucial evidence that could lead to their conviction has been found.
"They were informed when the charges against them were withdrawn that if evidence cropped up they will be called back to court."
'19 gangsters' case back in court
Zinhle Mapumulo
Zinhle Mapumulo
The case against 19 men, dubbed the Eastern Cape 19 gang, is being recalled to court.
The NPA has found new evidence that could lead to the conviction of the gang. The men, aged between 23 and 38 years, are believed to be members of a gang specialising in cash-in-transit heists and armed robberies.
They were arrested at an abandoned warehouse outside East London in February last year.
The gang was allegedly found in possession of an undisclosed amount of money, five R5 rifles, two AK-47 assault rifles, eight 9mm pistols, 599 rounds of ammunition, six stolen cars, police registration numbers, 20 cellphones, 16 IDs and two police bulletproof vests and teargas canisters.
A map allegedly detailing a West Bank Coin Security premise was also confiscated.
The gang appeared in the Mdantsane regional court facing several charges. But seven months later, charges against them were provisionally withdrawn because "there was not enough evidence".
Police spokesman Captain Steven Marley confirmed that the gang has been summoned to reappear in court next month.
He said crucial evidence that could lead to their conviction has been found.
"They were informed when the charges against them were withdrawn that if evidence cropped up they will be called back to court."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos