Johan Richard Thwala (35), Themba Ngwenya (32), appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Friday after they were arrested by the Hawks during the week in an intelligence driven operation aimed at combatting cash in transit and related incidents.
The Hawks’ Firearm Control And Priority Violent Crime Unit (NBIFCPVC), Technical Operations Management Section (TOMS), TRT, NIU and K9 conducted an intelligence driven operation in the Barberton area which resulted in the pair’s arrest for allegedly dealing and possession of explosives.
Various explosives including; blasting cartridges, detonators, ammonium nitrate pills and detonating fuses and a cash were seized during the operation.
The suspects are believed to be linked to the alleged supply of explosives to cash heists syndicates in Mpumalanga which has seen a number of such incidents in recent times.
Both accused have been remanded in custody, the case has been postponed to this coming Thursday (June 21) for a formal bail application.
