Home | News | We did not seek Hunter's help - police

We did not seek Hunter's help - police

05/07/2012 00:00:00 MUSA SIMELANE

Font size:

MBABANE – Police Commissioner Isaac Magagula is very angry with Private Investigator Hunter Shongwe for claiming that police sought his help in solving the heist case.

Magagula said it was actually Shongwe who initiated contact through a phone call to him at midnight on Tuesday. Shongwe called the commissioner to tell him that he had some crucial information regarding the E1 million heist that occurred on Monday at Riverstone Mall in Manzini.

According to Magagula, the investigator gave him part of the information and then requested that he dispatch officers to his offices in Ezulwini to get more information yesterday afternoon. However, what incensed the commissioner was that Shon-gwe told this newspaper that he (Magagula) was the one who actually approached him asking for help as an investigator.

Shongwe had said: "There was a delegation from the Police Commissioner that came to see me at around 1pm. They were asking for my help in investigating the robbery at River-stone. I gave them some information."

Magagula in his response made it known that he was displeased with Shongwe for trying to use a tactic that would give him publicity at the expense of the police.

"I want to put things in perspective; Hunter called me at midnight yesterday telling me he had certain information about the heist.

"How does he now say that I’m the one who approached him for help?" wondered Magagula.

He said he did not know Shongwe in any official capacity as an investigator, to him he was just another ordinary citizen who had told him he had information on the heist.

... call cops if you see a suspicious limping man

MBABANE – If you see a suspicious limping man, call the police.

This was said by Isaac Magagula, Police Commissioner, who said police had launched a full scale investigation into the cash heist matter.

One of the robbers got shot in the leg but still managed to escape.

"We are following all leads and we will not leave any stone unturned.

"We need the help of the public, so they should feel free to call us anytime," said Magagula.

The commissioner also expressed his condolences to the family of the security officer, William Tsabedze, who died after being shot by the robbers. He also wished the injured guard, Sibusiso Malindzisa, a speedy recovery. Magagula suspected collusion with foreign forces in the crime that has shocked the nation.

He said anyone with information can call Superintendent Bhiza Dlamini, Manzini Regional Crime Officer, at 7611 1943, or call Senior Superintendent Sam Mthembu at 7606 2316.