Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
11 August 2025
Steven Pandla (20), Mpendulo Nkosi (20), Thandolwethu Sithole (20), Katlego Mosehla (19), and Sibusiso Hlatshwayo (19) appeared before the Evander Magistrates’ Court for their formal bail hearing on Monday, 11 August 2025.
Their appearance comes after they were arrested for robbing the Paulina Morapeli CHC (Ext19 Clinic) at eMbalenhle on Friday, 1 August 2025.
They are facing a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
It was alleged that the suspects pretended to seek help at the clinic for a terminally ill friend and a security guard provided them with a wheelchair, which they used to push the so-called patient into the facility.
Once inside, they pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the nurses. Fortunately, the nurses were able to escape and run for safety.
The suspects were said to have fled with only the wheelchair and the security guard’s uniform, which they forcibly removed.
The investigation officer opposed the release of the five suspects, stating that they are a danger to society and, if released on bail, the lives of the witnesses will be in danger since they work in a public place. He further stated that the facility no longer operates 24 hours a day due to the robbery incident.
The matter was postponed to 18 August 2025 for a bail judgement.
