KNYSNA NEWS - A man who stands accused of the 2021 murder of a cash-in-transit (CIT) security guard has been released on bail of R10 000 after spending five months in custody.
The 43-year-old Sivuyile Koyo was arrested in Knysna on a warrant on 24 June and charged with murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances following a cash-in-transit robbery on 26 June 2021, during which a Fidelity Cash Solutions security guard was fatally shot.
Magistrate Mark Nichols granted Koyo bail, subject to conditions requiring him to stay in Knysna, report to Knysna SAPS every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and not to leave the Western Cape without having provided notification of the investigating officer's prior agreement.
His case will be joined with that of his four co-accused, Mzoxolo Bhushula (32), Masonwabe Yizana (35), Ntobeko Mehlwana (39) and Jeffrey Rumbu (55), at the Thembalethu Regional Court in George on 5 November.
Case dates back to 2021
According to the Hawks, two armed men approached a security guard collecting cash from a supermarket on Long Street, near Woodmill Lane that day. A struggle ensued, during which the guard was shot three times and fatally wounded. The attackers allegedly stole his service firearm and an undisclosed amount of cash. In August 2024, the Hawks announced a breakthrough after some DNA evidence recovered from a cap and gloves at the scene allegedly linked another accused, then aged 37, to the robbery. He was arrested in Mthatha on 16 August 2024.
Defence questions evidence and delays
In his heads of argument, defence attorney Daan Dercksen acknowledged the seriousness of the charges, but argued that this alone did not justify Koyo's continued detention. As the murder charge falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Koyo had to establish exceptional circumstances warranting bail. Dercksen argued that the State had not directly linked Koyo to the alleged getaway vehicle, firearm, stolen money or shooting.
He said the case appeared to rely mainly on cellphone evidence allegedly placing Koyo's phone near the scene and linking his number to those associated with some of the co-accused. The defence also cited Koyo's long-standing residence and family ties in the Garden Route, arguing that he had remained in the area for about five years after the alleged offences without evidence of attempting to evade authorities.
Dercksen further argued that outstanding investigative work could prolong Koyo's detention, affecting his ability to run his business and support his family. He submitted that appropriate bail conditions could address any remaining risks. These were defence submissions in support of bail. Koyo remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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