Tseko Francis Twala (37) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 2 February for his role in a hijacking that took place 10 years ago.
Twala has been in prison since his arrest in 2009 and will have the time served deducted from his sentence.
The court ruled that he is declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Randburg Police Station spokesperson, Captain Makgowanyana Maja said, “Twala was detained and went through the court process and got bail in 2009.
“He didn’t appear in court as instructed and a warrant of arrest was issued. He was tracked down in Alexandra and re-arrested, where he has been in custody ever since.”
On 30 July 2009, his female victim was waiting in her driveway on the corner of Johannes Street and 3rd Avenue in Fairland, on her way to drop off her children at school.
She was shocked to see Twala at her window wielding a firearm. She was instructed to get out of the vehicle and she complied, while another suspect demanded her jewellery.
They then drove off in her vehicle which contained some of her personal items. She managed to get help from a member of the community who took her to the police station.
The vehicle was tracked down and recovered by Warrant Officer Jan Swartz, Constable Lefate Makunyane, and Constable Shirley Moabi.
They arrested Twala and some of the victim’s items were recovered. He was also in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Maja added, “The management of the Randburg SAPS would like to applaud the members involved in this outcome, especially Detective Constable Moloto who worked tirelessly to make sure that evidence was brought to court and ensured the availability of all witnesses.
“This is a strong message to would-be hijackers that crime does not pay.”
Details: 011 449 9110.
