KwaDabeka man (21) sentenced 15 years for hijacking
He received a further five years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
MFUNDO Lushaba (21) from KwaDabeka was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for hijacking by the Pinetown Regional Court on Monday, 20 June.
The accused was further sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
On 1 April 2014, the victim, aged 60, was sitting in his Toyota double-cab bakkie outside the Pinetown Post Office waiting for his wife when he was approached by an armed Lushaba, who demanded car keys.
The victim was shot in the upper arm and his vehicle was stolen. A police vehicle that was in the vicinity responded to the complaint.
The police chased the hijacked vehicle until it crashed into a tree in New Germany. Lushaba was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and was arrested.
He made several court appearances before being convicted and sentenced.
The KwaZulu-Natal acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Bhekinkosi Langa, applauded the members for their dedication, which led to the sentencing of the accused.
“We hope the sentence will send a strong message to other criminals out there,” he said.
