Edenvale SAPS has welcomed the conviction of four of the accused who were involved in committing the 2019 business robbery at Edenvale High School.
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The NEWS previously reported that the suspects’ escape was foiled by police officers and security personnel who responded to the scene.
At the time, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Capt Kay Makhubela said a shootout occurred between suspects and first responders at the Linksfield Road entrance of the school.
While speaking at a media briefing, near the scene, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the suspects gained entry when an individual informed the school that he had arrived to pick up his child.
“When the school opened for the individual, five suspects rushed in,” said Lesufi.
On the day of the robbery, February 21, two suspects were killed, one was injured and two others were arrested when attempting to flee the area.
During the shootout, an unknown number of suspects fled in two vehicles; however, another two suspects were arrested the following day.
Edenvale Police Station communications officer Sgt Jacob Mashile said accused one, three, four and five were convicted and sentenced.
He said accused number two was discharged earlier during the trial in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Section 174 of the Act states: “If at the close of the case for the prosecution at any trial, the court is of the opinion that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence referred to in the charge or any offence of which he may be convicted on the charge, it may return a verdict of not guilty.”
Mashile said accused one, three, four and five received two life sentences for the two charges of murder against them and were sentenced to another 10 years for attempted murder.
He said all of the accused were sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for the possession of firearm and 10 years for the possession of ammunition.
Mashile said the leave to appeal was dismissed for all four of the accused.
Following the sentencing, Edenvale Police Station station commander Lt-Col Eunice Nzuza commended the work of Det Sgt Tlolane from the Trio Task Team based in Ekurhuleni District Zone One and congratulated the detective.
“Edenvale SAPS welcomes these convictions and the sentencing,” said Mashile.
“We hope this sends a message to criminals who may be considering or planning crimes as we near the festive season.”
A request for additional information was sent to the National Prosecuting Authority on October 27.
At the time of going to print, additional information had not been received.
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