Four years after robbers stormed police station, trial set to begin

Date: 30 October 2025 By: Elmon Tshikhudo

More than 50 witnesses are expected to testify when the trial of 10 men accused of robbing the Malamulele Police Station begins next month.

The case stems from the 21 November 2021 armed robbery in which heavily armed men stormed the station, overpowered officers and made off with several firearms, including high-calibre rifles. The incident shocked residents of Malamulele, who woke up to news of the large-scale arms theft.

Following intensive investigations, police arrested 10 suspects on 18 January 2022 and recovered several of the stolen weapons. Many residents have since wondered what had happened to the case.

Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed that the trial will start in the Polokwane High Court on 3 November and is expected to run for about three weeks.

“The accused are facing 94 charges that include conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, murder, malicious damage to property, possession of explosives, theft and housebreaking with intent to steal. We have lined up more than 50 witnesses to testify during the trial,” she said.

The accused, who allegedly went on a crime spree in Mpumalanga and Limpopo after the robbery, are Fokisi Godfrey Mabunda (40), Tshepho Mamila Masha (23), Gardon Tumpi Makutu (51), Desmond Teleki Phala (35), Lucas Kotoane Mahabane (42), Tebogo Frederick Ramalatso (42), Nicholas Maharaji Manzini (35), Tshepiso Matemana (31) and Lesley Dimakatso Leshabane (40).

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Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.