- The gang in Mamelodi is named after the jihadist extremist organisation in West Africa.
- Two people allegedly linked to the gang were arrested on charges of theft, trespassing and fraud.
- It's alleged that they were illegally collecting money from tenants at the Inkandla Hostel in Mamelodi.
The criminal matter against two people allegedly linked to an infamous Mamelodi gang, accused of hijacking a residential building and renting out rooms, has been postponed because their attorney was not present in court.
The two, believed to be part of the gang Boko Haram, named after the jihadist extremist organisation in West Africa, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
Mcedisi Ntloko and Sibongile Mabele have been charged with fraud, money laundering and trespassing.
According to the charge sheet seen by News24, between September 2017 and March this year, the accused effectively hijacked a residential building, known as the Inkandla Hostel, which is owned by the City of Tshwane.
They then allegedly rented out the units at R2 500 a month.
It's alleged that the City lost more than R11 million while Ntloko and Mabele accumulated R690 000 through the illegal rentals.
The State has further accused them of attempting to conceal this money to avoid prosecution.
The matter against the accused had to be postponed because their private attorney was not present in court.
Magistrate Thandi Theledi told the accused to ensure that their attorney is present for the next court appearance.
The matter was postponed to 26 March. Both accused will remain in custody until the next appearance.
News24 previously reported that police have been investigating the group after several complaints were laid by Mamelodi residents and businesses relating to theft and extortion.
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela encouraged alleged victims who had previously withdrawn cases, refused to give statements or participate in identity parades, citing fear or intimidation by Boko Haram, to reopen their cases.
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