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Duduza – Justice was served in the Nigel Regional Court as judgment and sentencing were recently handed down to a man accused of robbing a 16-year-old boy of his cellphone in Duduza.
Ten years’ direct imprisonment was imposed on Ben Mndaweni after he was found guilty of aggravated robbery.
Duduza police spokesperson Sgt Harry Manaka said the incident took place on December 4 when Mndaweni robbed the victim at a free Wi-Fi hot spot at Thandi Sibeko Secondary School in Duduza.
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“The boy was with his friends using the Wi-Fi service when Mndaweni pulled out a knife, held the boy against the wall and took his cellphone.
“Myself and Busisiwe Mntambo traced and arrested Mndaweni later that evening.
“Det Sgt Welile Bless investigated the matter by presenting evidence until Mndaweni was arrested and sentenced,” he said.
Manaka added robberies with weapons are a major concern in the area.
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While handing down his sentence, magistrate Juan du Preez Voogt, who presided over the case at the Nigel Regional Court, said the community cannot afford to live in fear of being attacked and deprived of their belongings by criminals.
“A strong warning had to be sent to all those who would want to emulate Mndaweni to see that justice will deal harshly with violent crimes,” he said.