Khutsong police’s communication officer, Captain Eddie Boboko, says the two men, Sihle Makhathini (30) and Luthando Ndwandwe (29) were convicted and received hefty sen- tences in the Oberholzer Regional Court on 7 July. The charges were linked to attacks in Khutsong during 2014 and 2015.
Each was sentenced to 15 years and another 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances for an attack on 12 April 2014. Both sentences will run concurrently.
They were also sentenced to five years each for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances for another incident on 13 February 2015. They were sentenced to another 15 years each for charges of robbery with aggravating circum- stances for a crime on 7 April 2015.
The sentences did not end there, however. Ndwandwe was also sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances for a crime he committed on 18 January 2015. He got life imprisonment for rape, another 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, two years for compelling or causing a person 18 years or older to witness a sexual act (according to Sec 8(2) Act 32 of 2007) for an incident on 5 February 2015. He also got two years for malicious damage to property and another two years for theft, which will run concurrently with the previous sentence for crimes he committed on 23 October 2014.
“These sentences follow victims reporting several cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances involving three males. Cell phones or cash were stolen from the victims in the street when they were going home from work or drinking places. In some cases, women were also targeted and raped. Most of the cases took place in Khutsong South and Extension 2,” says Boboko.
He said the cases were reported to the police and assigned to Sgt Magwaza Mhlongo. Mhlongo worked tirelessly with the detectives to trace the suspects through preliminary investigation and leads from the victims. On 11 August 2015, Mhlongo received information that the men were assaulted and admitted to Baragwanath Public Hospital. He immediately followed up and arrested Sihle Makhathini, who was placed under police guard while in hospital.
He continued with enquiries and launched a manhunt during which the second suspect, Luthando Ndwandwe, was arrested at the Westonaria train station on 12 August 2015. The third suspect is still at large.
The two suspects were linked to various cases through DNA tests and identification by the victims or eyewitnesses.
The suspects appeared before the magistrate, Mr Jan Steyn and state prosecutor, Mr Andries Mongalane, who made sure that the two suspects received the appropriate sentences.
The station commander, Colonel Melinda Prinsloo, applauded Sgt Mhlongo and the other detectives who assisted for the excellent convictions.
She also thanked the community who assisted the police with information that led to the successful apprehension of these very dangerous criminals.
She reminded the community not to take the law into their hands as they will be arrested.
The public is asked to report all criminal activity to the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or SMS number 32211. You may remain anonymous.
