EASTERN CAPE — Two suspects are facing multiple business robbery charges after a swift police investigation connected a violent Munnikville shop heist to a routine traffic stop in Dordrecht. The pair, identified as 46-year-old Sizwe Happy Mashinini and 46-year-old Moses Bakwena, were apprehended following the theft of approximately R12,000 in cash and goods from an Ethiopian national’s store.
Mashinini and Bakwena made their first appearance at the Dordrecht Magistrate’s Court on July 9, 2026. They are jointly charged with business robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property.
The charges stem from an incident that unfolded on the evening of July 7, 2026, at approximately 19:30. According to police reports, the business premises of a 39-year-old Ethiopian national located in Munnikville Location was targeted. At the time of the attack, eight young men were outside the shop utilizing the WiFi. They dispersed rapidly after hearing gunshots and aggressive swearing, fearing for their safety.
The two African male suspects allegedly breached the shop by force. One of the men brandished a firearm, directing it at the shop owner to intimidate him. Meanwhile, his unarmed accomplice moved behind the counter and gathered various items. The stolen goods included an undisclosed sum of cash, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitor, a flash card machine, cigarette cartons, and packets of sweets, bringing the total estimated value of the haul to R12,000.
Law enforcement officers responded to the emergency call and processed the crime scene. Investigators recovered one spent 9mm cartridge and one live 9mm round from the area. A formal case of business robbery was subsequently registered at the Dordrecht Police Station to launch an investigation.
The breakthrough in the case occurred the following morning on July 8, 2026. At roughly 09:00, Dordrecht Police officers were executing routine patrols along the R56, Molteno Road, when they spotted two suspicious African males. The officers intercepted the men and sought permission to search their luggage.
The search uncovered a cache of items directly linking the men to the previous night’s crime. Police seized a 9mm pistol with its serial number deliberately filed off, a firearm magazine, thirteen live 9mm rounds, two cigarette cartons, a packet of Cadbury eclairs, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
When questioned about the origin of the items, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. They were arrested on the spot and held at the Dordrecht police cells. Following their July 9 court appearance, both men were remanded in custody and are scheduled to return to the Dordrecht Magistrate’s Court on July 16, 2026, for a formal bail application.
District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph released a statement praising the investigating team. He commended his foot soldiers for their unwavering vigilance and determination in executing their mandate to combat crime across the district.
