| 2024/04/29 |
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Media Statement
NORTH WEST – Sthembiso Mthembu (39), Tshepo Sebeko (44) and Bongani Mkhwanazi (59) were convicted and sentenced to direct imprisonment on charges of theft of motor vehicles, robberies with aggravating circumstances, attempted murders, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition when they appeared before the Klerksdorp Regional Court on Thursday, 25 April 2024. Evidence revealed that during November 2015, the victim was on his way to Wolmaranstad conveying diamond gravel, when an Audi vehicle veered towards the victims vehicle causing an accident in which the Toyota Hilux eventually overturned. The victim was accosted by armed men who robbed the diamond gravel, pistol and other personal belongings. It is reported that while the robbery was still in progress, another Isuzu bakkie was hijacked. Community members that attempted to apprehend the suspects were shot at by accused. The accused were apprehended and prohibited firearms were recovered. The matter was referred to the Klerksdorp based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team who fully investigated the case and following a series of court appearances, the accused were sentenced as follows : Count 1,2 and 3 : Theft of motor vehicle, 5 years imprisonment each. Count 5 : Robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years imprisonment each. Count 6 : Robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years each. Count 7,8,9 and 10 : Attempted murders, 4 years imprisonment each. Count 11 : Unlawful possession of firearms, 15 years imprisonment each. Count 12 : Possession of unlicensed firearms, 17 years imprisonment each.
Count 13 : Possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence, 10 years imprisonment each. The sentences will run concurrently, thus the accused will each serve 17 years imprisonment.
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