Two men in their 20s have each been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after robbing and stabbing a couple in November last year.
According to Captain Appel Ernst, the Randfontein Police spokesperson, the two men, Xolisani Mjoli, 21, and Nyaniso Qulu, 27, were sentenced on 16 August in the Randfontein Regional Court. Johannes Makhubela prosecuted on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority, while Etienne van Niekerk presided over the case.
The robbery took place on 9 November, 2015 at approximately 2.55pm in Luipaardsvlei, Ernst said.
The complainant alleged he was at home when three suspects came to his house requesting water. As his wife went inside to get the water, the suspects grabbed them both and tied them up with shoelaces. The wife was then stabbed in the hand before the suspects took three cellphones and the husband’s 9mm pistol, which he had on his person at the time.
The suspects were later traced and arrested as a result of help from the victims.
Mjoli was arrested by Detective Constable Gladys Motsomi in Slovoville on 18 November, 2015. She arrested Qulu in Natalspruit on 12 April, 2016.
After lengthy court proceedings, both men were found guilty earlier this month on a charge of aggravated robbery. In addition to their 15-year sentences, both were declared unfit to possess firearms.
Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela, the Randfontein Police‘s station commander, praised Motsomi for the arrests and convictions.
“Good teamwork between police and the NPA secured this conviction. Keep up the good work,” he said.
The same modus operandi has recently been used again in Randfontein – a 27-year-old man was robbed after suspects appeared at his home asking for water.
This incident occurred in July on Van Rensburg Street, Westergloor. The victim was robbed at gunpoint of his cellphone and laptop. The suspects were standing in the victim’s driveway next to a VW Polo with an unknown registration number.
The investigating officer in this matter urges the community to assist in the tracing of the suspects by supplying any information they may have to the Randfontein Police. Information can be reported to the Randfontein detectives on 011 278 8100 or to Crime Stop on 08600 10 111.
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