Jail time for suspect linked to Durban North stolen vehicle case

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of a man convicted of having suspected stolen property.

Last week, the Durban Regional Court sentenced Siyabonga Arnold Madlala, to an effective eight-year imprisonment for being in possession of a stolen Nissan NP200 bakkie.

According to NPA spokesperson in KZN, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the vehicle was reported stolen in the Durban North area.

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“A month later, the vehicle was flagged on an automatic licence-plate recognition camera. A member of a local security company received this information and, shortly after, saw the same vehicle drive past him. He followed the vehicle, which eventually came to a stop in the Illovo area.

“The two occupants got out and fled into the bushes. The security officer called for backup, and the police’s dog unit responded, as well. Madlala was caught by a police dog, while the other person escaped,” she explained.

Madlala was arrested on May 7 last year and made his first court appearance days later where he was charged with theft.

“The state opposed bail, alerting the court of Madlala’s previous conviction for theft. He was denied bail and has been in custody since his sentencing. While he pleaded not guilty, the evidence led against him was overwhelming. Although the state charged him with theft, the court convicted him of having suspected stolen property.

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“In aggravation of sentence, the Regional Court Prosecutor told the court that the offence was serious and prevalent in the court’s area of jurisdiction. The prosecutor also said that even though Madlala was convicted of having suspected stolen property, he should be sentenced as if he committed the theft itself, thus sending out a cautionary message to would-be offenders,” Ramkisson-Kara explained.