Serial business robber sentenced to 25 years
Thamsanqa Ngcobo was linked to a number of high profile business robberies across the province.
A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment in the Durban Regional Court, on Friday, 31 July, for his involvement in a number of jewellery and retail store robberies.
Thamsanqa Brian Ngcobo pleaded guilty to the robbery of several stores within the Foschini Group between 2017 to 2018.
According to the National Prosecution Authority, Ngcobo was part of the notorious 13-member Man-G gang, which robbed a Clicks, Sportscene, American Swiss and Exact Store in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal, Advocate Elaine Zungu welcomed the sentence.
“Business robberies have a negative impact on our economy. We hope that this sentence will have the necessary deterrent effect,” she said.
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It is said that the gang would arm themselves with firearms and execute the same plan at each robbery.
Ngcobo was arrested along with three other suspects by an off-duty cop while trying to rob a Pep store in Empangeni, 2008.
He was later linked to several other offences. His co-accused are facing similar charges of attempted murder, business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the Empangeni area.
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Ngcobo was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on each of the five counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances resulting in 75 years imprisonment.
The court ordered that some of the sentences run concurrently, so he will effectively serve 25 years imprisonment.
The matter was successfully prosecuted by Regional Court Prosecutor, Sureka Marimuthu.
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