Akim Masuku (25) was found guilty of armed robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He was sentenced to 33 years imprisonment by Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
According to Captain Xoli Mbele of the Johannesburg Central Police Station, on 14 November last year at about 8pm, Masuku and two of his accomplices robbed four men at MTN Taxi Rank.
Mbele explained that the victims, who are vendors at the taxi rank, were busy packing their stock when they were confronted by the three men. “They pointed them with firearms, demanded and took money, cellphones and a jacket from the victims. They then ordered the victims to run away.
“As they were running away, they shot a 25-year-old man in the arm before fleeing the scene,” Mbele said.
Shortly after the incident, one of the victims saw all three criminals on the corner of Noord and Eloff streets and alerted the police. When they saw a police vehicle they suspects ran away in different directions.
Police apprehended one suspect, a firearm with no serial number and live rounds.
For armed robbery, Masuku was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment; for attempted murder, 10 years imprisonment; for possession of unlicensed firearm, five years imprisonment; and three years imprisonment for possession of ammunition. Mbele said the good conviction is the result of a diligent work done by the investigating officer.
Details: 10111.
