Thembinkosi Siwele, 19, has been found guilty of armed robbery by the Westonaria Regional Court and was sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment last Thursday (19 November).
“The accused was arrested at the scene of a crime in Venterspos on 8 June. On this day, at around 9.15pm, the victim was in his house with his wife and two other young men when two armed suspects wearing balaclava’s broke into their home. They held up the victims at gunpoint, ordered them to lie down and demanded money.
The suspects searched the victims and took cash and a cellphone. The complainant decided to fight back. He grabbed and overpowered one of the suspects. While wrestling, the suspect’s firearm fell to the floor.
“The neighbours heard the noise and came to the help of the victims. One suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police. The other suspect managed to escape,” said Captain Siphiwe Ndlovu , spokesperson for the Westonaria Police.
Investigating officer, Warrant officer Lappies Labuschagne is satisfied with the sentence the convict received.
Once again, this sends a message that crime does not pay,” Ndlovu added.
The Westonaria station commander thanked detective Warrant officer Lappies Labuschagne for his dedication and taking this case up to the end as well as the community for their involvement in the apprehension of the suspect.
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Also read:
Young man jailed for gunpoint robbery
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