One of the accused in an armed robbery in which a security guard lost his life was recently sentenced to over 20 years’ imprisonment.
The robbery took place in December last year at a wholesaler / supermarket in Peacetown, belonging to a foreign national. An armed security guard was shot and killed, and electronics and money was taken from the premises.
Various police units responded and investigation began immediately. Seven suspects between the age of 22 and 38 were arrested in the Ezakheni area the following day by Ladysmith detectives and the Ladysmith Tactical Response Team (TRT). All suspects were arrested in connection with robbery and murder.
A revolver that was stolen from the security guard was recovered, as well as cell-phones, plus foreign and South African money. A vehicle used during the commission of the crime was also seized during the arrests.
The suspects subsequently appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court, where they faced charges of murder, robbery, attempted murder, assault and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The investigation was tasked to Captain BR Mntambo of Ladysmith Detective Services. The case docket was placed on the roll at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
On February 3 this year, one of the accused, 25-year-old Khulekani Hlatshwayo, was found guilty and sentenced to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment.
The sentence was broken down as follows: 25 years for murder; 5 years for attempted murder; and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentence imposed on counts 2 and 3 (attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances) are to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on count 1 (murder).
The other six accused have been remanded in custody and are still awaiting trial.
