A policeman, Warrant Officer John Mbazima Hlungwane, and three other co-accused briefly appeared in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday on a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. According to Makhado police spokesperson, Capt Maano Sadike, it is alleged that Hlungwane was the driver of a getaway vehicle during a robbery in Eltivillas. The robbery took place in the early morning hours of Monday, March 30 this year. Hlungwane appeared together with Jerry Malulelela, Ester Manenge and Agnes Manentshe. The two ladies were working at the house that was robbed and allegedly helped Malulelela to gain access to the house, while Hlungwane was waiting in the vehicle outside the house. During the robbery, the robbers managed to escape with a large amount of cash, but with the help of community members were arrested a mere day later. The four were not asked to plead during their first court appearance on Tuesday, April 6. Bail was fixed at R10 000 for Malulelela and Hlungwane, while Manenge and Manentshe received R5 000 bail each. Only Hlungwane was released after he paid his bail. The other three accused will remain in custody. The four will appear in court again on May 26.