Four men accused of robbing a spaza shop in Cala after allegedly demanding protection fees have been remanded in custody, with a formal bail application expected next week.
Four suspects aged between 20 and 27 have been remanded in custody following their appearance in the Cala Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, in connection with an alleged business robbery at Bumbane Administrative Area.
The suspects have been identified as Masiyakhe Tyhulu (23), Lwandile Tsholoba (26), Xhantilomzi Petros (27) and Sineqhayiya Petros (20).
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the case relates to an incident at a local spaza shop on Tuesday, 20 October, at approximately 13:45.
Alleged protection fee demand
Police allege that four men entered the shop and asked the cashier whether he was paying a protection fee for himself and the business.
The cashier reportedly told the men that he would have to consult the shop owner, as he had no knowledge of the alleged arrangement.
While the cashier was speaking to the suspects, he noticed the shop owner approaching from outside.
The suspects allegedly turned their attention to the owner and demanded cash and cigarettes at gunpoint.
According to the police account, the owner was pushed behind the counter, where he handed over the R200 available at the time, along with a packet of cigarettes.
The suspects then allegedly left the shop.
Suspects arrested on the same day
The shop owner reportedly alerted community members and the police after the incident.
Police, assisted by community members, searched for the suspects and arrested them on the same day as the alleged robbery.
The four men appeared in the Cala Magistrate’s Court on 27 October, where they were remanded in custody. The matter has been postponed to 3 November 2026 for a formal bail application.
The suspects have not been convicted, and the allegations against them remain before the court.
Police investigating possible links to other crimes
SAPS said investigators were also working to establish whether the four suspects could be linked to a series of recent unresolved serious crimes in the area.
District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph urged investigators to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
Police said the investigation would seek to establish whether the suspects were connected to other crimes and, if evidence supports such links, ensure that they face the appropriate legal process.
The investigation is ongoing.
