Durban North police welcome lengthy convictions in uMhlanga hijacking case
The suspects, Philani Shange and Linda Mdakane, were sentenced to 10 years and eight years behind bars respectively.
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THE management of the Durban North SAPS station has commended detectives, Sipho Shezi and Nhlakanipho Ngcobo for securing lengthy convictions of two suspects involved in the hijacking and kidnapping of a courier driver in uMhlanga last year.
According to the station spokesperson, Capt Raymond Deokaran, the suspects, Philani Shange and Linda Mdakane, were sentenced to 10 years and eight years behind bars respectively.
The sentences were handed down in the Durban Magistrate’s Court and the men were charged for robbery (hijacking) and kidnapping.
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“This relates to a case in June last year where a courier driver was hijacked at gunpoint by the suspects on Umhlanga Rocks Drive (near the MultiChoice offices). The accused in this case were carrying a gun and a knife when they kidnapped the driver. Praise must also go to a concerned member of the public who witnessed the hijacking and followed the kidnappers while giving directions to SAPS on their whereabouts.
“The suspects were eventually tracked down and arrested near Mount Moriah by the Durban Flying Squad. Thanks to an efficient response from SAPS and strong investigating team with Detective Sargent Sipho Shezi who strongly opposed bail for the accused. We also feel the prosecutor from the NPA deserve recognition for drove the case to it’s final point. The station commander commends the detectives for their sterling work in this case. This is a tremendous success for the station and the station commander is extremely proud of him,” Deokaran explained.
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