Mpumalanga man sentenced to 15 years after failed robbery

A 32-year-old Mpumalanga man has been sentenced to 15 years after a failed robbery which also claimed the life of his accomplice in 2021.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the robbery took place in Leslie Extension 9.

The accused, Thomas Thabo Mayisa, and two suspects tried to seize cash from a Somali shop owner in the area on 9 December 2021.

Investigation revelations

“It transpired through investigation that the trio were driving in a Renault Megane with Gauteng registration number plates. Two of the robbers entered the business premises leaving the third accomplice in what is believed to be a getaway car,” said Mohlala.

“The brother to the business owner was hit on the back with an object. Thereafter both victims were held hostage, one suspect was in possession of a firearm whilst another was holding a knife. They demanded cash but the shop owner diverted the attention of Mayisa’s friend by pointing to the direction where the money was kept.”

While the accomplice was distracted the shop owner drew his firearm and shot him multiple times, which led to his death.

The victim then shot Mayisa on the thigh but he managed to get into the car and flee. Their dead accomplice and a firearm were left behind.

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Suspect on the loose

“Further investigation shared some information about a patient in hospital with a gunshot wound. Police proceeded and upon arrival in hospital, they discovered that the patient was in fact Mayisa, the robbery suspect whom they have been looking for. The accused was then arrested and charged accordingly.

“The driver could not be found and Mayisa alleged at the time that he did not know him nor his whereabouts as they hired him for that mission,” said Mohlala.

After several court appearances, Mayisa pleaded guilty and was sentenced at the Evander Regional Court  to 15 years imprisonment for business robbery on Thursday, 23 March 2023.

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