Philipstown accused sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of ammunition

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape

 

NORTHERN CAPE – On Wednesday, 24 July 2024, the 55-year-old accused, Vuyo Eric Joe, was convicted and sentenced in the De Aar Regional Court on four (4) counts of theft

The De Aar Regional Court heard how the police in Philipstown, whilst they were conducting patrols in town and surrounding areas on Monday, 14 November 2022, spotted a suspicious bakkie with a trailer.

When the accused saw the police vehicle, he took a detour onto a gravel road, however the police followed and stopped the vehicle. A search ensued and police recovered ammunition cartridges in the bakkie and the trailer.

The accused could not provide a satisfactory explanation as to how he obtained the ammunition cartridges, and he did not have a valid permit in his possession to transport ammunition. He was subsequently arrested and detained, and bail was successfully opposed by the investigating officer

Joe was sentenced as follows;
Count 1- six years imprisonment,
Count 2- six years imprisonment,
Count 3- seven years imprisonment and,
Count 4—seven years imprisonment.

Count 1, 2 & 4 were suspended for five (5) years.
On count 3, the accused was sentenced to seven (7) years direct imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Zwelandile Oliver Nolusu of Philipstown Detectives led the investigation and secured the conviction.

Communities are encouraged to blow the whistle on stolen goods and report unscrupulous dealers, suspicious individuals and suspected stolen goods to the police.
End

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