Three Armed Robbers Sentenced to 15 Years for SASSA Pension Pay Point Heist in KwaZulu-Natal
A violent robbery that left security personnel disarmed and a government vehicle stolen has finally reached its conclusion, almost four years after the shocking attack unfolded at a SASSA pension pay point in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The Mtubatuba Regional Court has sentenced three men to 15 years’ imprisonment each for their roles in the armed robbery that targeted pension payments in the Gunjaneni area near KwaMsane.
The convictions bring an end to a lengthy investigation led by the Hawks, which resulted in multiple arrests and years of court proceedings before justice was ultimately served.
According to KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, the robbery took place on 10 September 2021 when security guards and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials were distributing pension payments at a designated pay point.
The accused, identified as Mzwandile Ndwandwe (36), Muntukayise Manqele (34) and Sabelo Gumede (38), allegedly confronted the officials at gunpoint before carrying out the robbery.
The attackers stole three firearms from the security guards, an undisclosed amount of cash, and a SASSA vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The violent attack triggered an immediate response from members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Richards Bay, working alongside other law enforcement agencies.
Police quickly acted on intelligence gathered after the robbery, leading officers to a group of seven suspects near Hlabisa. Following an extensive investigation, all seven were charged with armed robbery.
As the case progressed through the courts, only Ndwandwe, Manqele and Gumede were found guilty. Their four co-accused were acquitted.
The court sentenced each of the three convicted men to 15 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery.
In addition, each received five years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 12 months’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition.
However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each man will effectively serve a 15-year prison term.
The court also declared all three men unfit to possess a firearm, reinforcing the seriousness of the offences committed.
The sentencing marks the final chapter in a case that highlighted the dangers faced by officials and security personnel responsible for delivering essential social grant payments to vulnerable communities.
For the Hawks and the prosecution team, the outcome reflects years of investigative work aimed at ensuring those responsible for the armed robbery were held accountable.
