| 2024/08/29 |
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Media Statement DURBAN – The Ntuzuma Regional Court has sentenced Simiphi Ntombela (31) to 25 years direct imprisonment after the court found him guilty of robbery and culpable homicide. Ntombela made several court appearances before he was convicted and sentenced on Tuesday, 27 August 2024. On 10 January 2023, Mpendulo Hopewell Mpungose who was 40 years old at the time, was an e-hailing driver when he received a trip request from a passenger who needed to be driven from Phoenix to Duffs Road area. Upon their arrival at their destination the client pointed the driver with a firearm and he was shoved into the boot before driving off. Vigilant police officers who were patrolling along Swan Road in Duffs Road noticed a silver grey vehicle which was driving recklessly and signalled for the vehicle to stop. The suspect ignored the police instruction and sped off, leaving police with no other option but to give chase. The suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the tree. When police approached the vehicle, they noticed that it was extensively damaged and they found the driver trapped inside with injuries. Upon further search, police found a man inside the boot and the initial investigation revealed that the man was the hijacking victim and had sustained injuries. The emergency services were summoned to the scene, including the Fire Brigades who used Jaws of Life to free the suspect, who was found in possession of a toy gun. Suspect and the victim were taken to hospital for medical attention. The victim later succumbed to his injuries. Ends
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