The Mthatha Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) of the Hawks, jointly with the South African Police Service Provincial Organised Crime, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Crime Intelligence (CI), ensured that Cebinkosi Sikrenya (46) and Mthuthuzeli Sogoni (52) appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on May 31, for allegations of inciting public violence, violating the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020, and electoral disruption on May 31, 2024.
Sogoni was released on bail of R2 000, and Sikrenya released on bail of R3 000.
The matter was remanded to July 23 for further investigation.
According to the statement issued by the Hawks, this arrest followed an extensive probe by the collaborative law enforcement agencies.
The arrest of the duo is reported to be linked to an incident that happened on May 27 in Mthatha, where members of the taxi industry rioted and allegedly demanded that the SAPS release their confiscated firearms.
Lieutenant Avela Fumba of the Hawks said the confiscation was a result of an outbreak of taxi violence between rival associations and subsequent shootings on May 23, 2024.
“On the day of the protest, Sekrenya (46) and Sogoni (52) allegedly distributed a video clip on social media platforms in which he appeared, threatening violence and disruption of the ongoing elections,” he said.
The Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, lauded the collaborative effort of the team in ensuring stability during the electoral period, stating that such criminal activities amount to treason.
