Man sentenced to 20 years for robbery

MBOMBELA – Mr Themba Sibeko was sentenced for crimes he committed in Barberton in April 2014. His sentences run concurrently, which means he will serve 20 years in prison.

The court learned that Sibeko robbed his victims, which were mostly men, at gun point on the streets. He would lure them to secluded areas where he tormented them. He shot and hit one of his victims with a firearm. The victim had to be hospitalised for two days as a result of the injuries sustained.

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On April 20, 2014 Sibeko also stole cellphones from two girls who were were returning from an evening church service at uMjindini Trust.

The state prosecutor, Mr Micheal Mazibuko, led evidence of eight witnesses including the accused’s friend and his relative. He further led evidence of a confession made by the police officer. Sibeko was only acquitted on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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Passing out her sentence, magistrate Sheila Msibi told the court that Sibeko is a danger to society and that the public looks upon the justice system to impose sentences that would serve as deterrence against crime and also to rehabilitate the accused from committing similar offences in future. Msibi sentenced the accused to 47 years direct imprisonment, which will run concurrently.