KwaThema – The duo responsible for a spate of robberies that spanned five years in Kwa-Thema and Tsakani are finally behind bars.
Thamsanqa Ephraim Zwane (36) and Mafika Mabena (32) were arrested on February 20, 2019.
Both accused were found guilty and convicted on charges of aggravated robbery in the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
They were sentenced to 60 and 30 years’ imprisonment respectively, without the possibility of parole.
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They were also both declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Kwa-Thema police spokesperson Sgt Media Khoza said the convictions were the result of Det Sgt Nkhato Raseboka, who is attached to the Ekurhuleni SAPS Trio Task Team, being assigned to the case.
He investigated ‘cold case’ robberies that occurred in Kwa-Thema and Tsakani dating back to 2015 to January last year.
“The community of both Kwa-Thema and Tsakani were over the years terrorised by a duo committing robberies.
“They remained untouchable for a period of five years until the dockets landed on Raseboka’s desk.
“His investigations positively linked them to a number of robberies,” she said.
Raseboka is pleased with the court ruling.
“It gives me satisfaction that the victims will have closure and the community is safe,” he said.
