An Alex man was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison by Alexandra Magistrates’ Court for the armed robbery of a neighbour, who occasionally helped him with food.
Lubabalo Kamkoe (26) was found guilty of robbing Millicent Malema, a domestic worker, of a Galaxy Samsung cellphone worth R3 500, which Malema had received from her employer.
The court heard that at midday on 11 October last year, the victim went to collect water from a communal tap. When she returned, Kamkoe, who resided in the same yard with her, produced a knife and pushed her into her room where he demanded the cellphone. Before she responded, he yanked the cellphone from the charger and left.
Malema reported the incident to the police, which led to his arrest.
The victim informed the court that despite sometimes helping the accused, she was scared of him. She welcomed the sentence, stating that she was afraid he would kill her at some point if he continued to live in the same yard.
