The three accused followed the victim, a 33-year-old tavern owner, from his tavern in KwaThema to his residence in Zamani Section, Duduza, during the early hours of September 8, 2013.
Duduza SAPS station commander Lieut Col Louise Droskie says that, as the tavern owner was opening his gates, the accused approached him, armed with pistols, and robbed him of R11 000 cash.
Multiple shots were fired and the three assailants fled to a car nearby and drove away.
The tavern owner was unharmed.
Droskie says two of the suspects, known to the victim as they are his cousins, were subsequently arrested about a month later, after going into hiding, while the third suspect was arrested after further investigation.All three were charged with armed robbery.
On September 17, the three suspects were sentenced in the Heidelberg Regional Court, where they were also all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Droskie praises the investigation officer, WO Billy Mabilane, for his professional and thorough investigation, which resulted in the conviction.
She adds that this conviction should serve as a warning to would-be criminals that they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The station commander says this conviction is in line with the national and provincial strategies of the SAPS.
The help of the community is always greatly appreciated and they can provide information to Crime Stop on 086 001 0111, SMS information to the Prime Media crime line on 32211, or contact the local police station on 011 730 4723/42.
All information will be treated as confidential.
