Four robbers receive lengthy sentences
They also assaulted the victims before they fled the scene in a gateway vehicle.
The Palm Ridge High Court yesterday sentenced John Mokhele (47), Mphumelelo Biyana (40 ), Sifiso Mbhele ( 44), and Mandla Phanyeko ( 43) to lengthy prison terms for murder and armed robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
On September 1, 2010, at Kinross, Mpumalanga, a group of about 12 armed suspects stormed into three business premises and committed the robberies.
They took valuables which included firearms, cash and jewelleries.
ALSO READ:Police arrest alleged rapist at Mama Esther’s Haven
They also assaulted the victims before they fled the scene in a gateway vehicle.The police attempted to intercept the vehicle near Devon, but the suspects started shooting at the police who retaliated. Six suspects were fatally wounded on the scene, the other six managed to escape.
However, they were later traced to Springs where five suspects were apprehended. When they were being arrested, in an attempt to escape, they shot and fatally wounded a 35-year-old motorist who they tried to hijack. One suspect managed to get away at this stage.
Further investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit led the arrest to the of the outstanding suspect and the recovery of numerous firearms, which included R5 rifles and hand guns.
The group was sentenced as follows: Mokhele received 81 years imprisonment of which he is to serve 22 effective years. Nqcobo died during the trial. The accused was out on R10 000.00 bail and committed another armed robbery where he was fatally wounded.
Siphiwe Mbonani (39 ) was convicted on all charges but the accused never returned to court for sentencing. A warrant for his arrest has been authorised against him.
ALSO READ:Man sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape
Biyana was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which the accused must serve an effective 20 years. Mbhele was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which he has to serve effective 20 years.
Phanyeko was sentenced to 60 years imprisonment of which the accused will serve the effective 20 years.
Members of the Secunda Hawks request all citizens of the Republic of South Africa to assist with information which can lead to the arrest of Siphiwe Mbonani who is still at large.
Anyone with information is required to contact the Investigation Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Jacob Ras of Secunda Hawks @ 0824620760 The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks Mpumalanga Brigadier Obed Ngwenya would like to appreciate the outstanding performance rendered by the investigating officer.
“ In addition Acting Provincial Head would like to appreciate the contribution of the 88 witnesses who testified willingly. Enquiries: Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi @ 071 481 3493 Email Address : SekgotodiD@saps.gov.za
