Four robbers get 15 years each

Four men were found guilty of aggravating robbery and each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment the Randfontein Police said

The suspects are Palesa Mbobe, 21, Sylvester Kekana, 33, Nompumelelo Sibiya, 20, and Matome Rapetsoa.

Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson confirmed that two cases of robbery which happened seven days apart in May 2014 were successfully concluded in the Randfontein Regional Court last month. 

Vusi Mhlangu was prosecuting on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) while Ettiene van Niekerk was presiding

“Two incidents, one on the 4th of May and 11th of May 2014 were reported to the Randfontein Police. In both instances, the victims were men, driving towards Randfontein and they were side tracked by women that were standing next to the road near Bongweni.

“The women, who offered sexual favours for payment, allegedly lead the victims to a bushy area, where their male accomplices were laying in wait. The victims were then robbed of cash and valuables and forced at gunpoint of with a knife to hand over bank cards and PIN numbers. The group will then withdraw money from the victims account. Victims were assaulted and then left in the bushes.

The first victim was the saviour of the second victim, since he recognised the women a week later while they were walking along the same road, where he was robbed. He flagged down a passing police vehicles and the officers responded to his information. 

“When the members went to the place the man indicated, they found the second victim tied and injured in the bush. The members reacted quickly and were able to apprehend two men in the area. One of the suspects was wearing the clothes that were robbed from the second victim.

“Police members took the victims and the suspects to the Randfontein Police station and en route the first victim identified the two women, walking along the road near Tiger Milling. He indicated that they were involved in the robbery. Police officers in another vehicle immediately arrested the two women.

Randfontein Police management applauds the investigating officer, warrant officer Karen Nel for the efforts and dedication she displayed in securing this outcome. 

Ernst added, “The attentiveness of the first victim was the turning point in the robberies in that area since all the suspects were arrested. This victim’s courage was elemental in the apprehension of the suspects. He is also applauded for his courage in facing the suspects twice. The NPA is applauded for the stance that they take against violent criminals.”

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Also read:

Robber gets 15 years behind bars

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