Three men, facing 14 charges of murder, kidnapping, housebreaking, attempted murder, attempted house robbery, and aggravated robbery, are set to spend the rest of their lives behind bars after they were found guilty of the crimes, committed mostly in and around Randfontein, and sentenced in the South Gauteng High Court.
The charges stem from five cases dating back to 2010.
Louis Ngobeni (25), Balzino “Tatane” Matola (42), and David Deza Ubisi (24), went on a crime spree which lasted from March 2010 to December 2010.
According to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson, Captain Appel Ernst, the three targeted an open area along the road toward Azaadville, where they would attack couples who stopped in this isolated area, robbing them of their valuables and raping the women.
In most cases, they also shot the male victims.
They were apprehended in Kagiso in October 2011 after they were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Forensic evidence tied the three to the five Randfontein cases.
Louis Ngobeni was sentenced to one life sentence plus 47 years behind bars, while Balzino Matola received two life sentences and a further 67 years imprisonment.
David Ubisi also received two life sentences, and 47 years behind bars.
The sentences will run concurrently.
The acting Randfontein Station Commander, Colonel Andrè de Bruin congratulated the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Bongani Mpete with the excellent achievement and commends him for the many additional hours he put in towards achieving this outcome.
