Traffic cop loses getaway car in armed robbery asset grab

On 6 October 2026, a court ordered the seizure of a Toyota Corolla once used by a traffic officer as a getaway vehicle during an armed robbery eight years prior. The vehicle, valued at around R99,000, was linked to the crime that occurred on 25 March 2018. The incident took place in Lukholweni, where police were alerted to a robbery at a spaza shop.

The robbers were armed with a firearm and stole cash and cigarettes. The police, upon receiving information, located a white Toyota Corolla and tried to apprehend the driver. However, the driver fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit. The pursuit concluded when the police successfully intercepted the getaway car. Inside the vehicle, they discovered two occupants: Richard Thomas and Simthandile Badela.

A search revealed a shotgun hidden beneath a seat, with the serial numbers removed, alongside live ammunition and a school bag containing cigarettes, R5,050 in cash, and pepper spray. Despite questioning, none of the occupants admitted ownership of the recovered items. Police arrested both suspects and confiscated the seized items for further investigation.

It was later determined that the Toyota Corolla belonged to a traffic officer employed by the Matatiele Local Municipality at the time of the incident. The vehicle became subject to asset forfeiture proceedings following a referral to the Hawks' Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI) unit. The criminal proceedings resulted in lengthy prison sentences for the two accused: Thomas received 15 years, while Badela was sentenced to 16 years.

The forfeiture order marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. The asset will be sold, and the resulting proceeds will be deposited into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA).