TWO cash-in-transit robbers were each sentenced to 28 years’ behind bars by the Polokwane regional court last week.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Genl Fannie Masemola welcomed the heavy sentence and congratulated the provincial detective team for the sterling work that led to the successful conviction and sentencing of Machuene Kubjana (42) and Ramosoen James Mahlo (31) who were found guilty of attempted murder, attempted robbery as well as possession of illegal firearms.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi said the two men had pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
“During the trial the court heard that Kubjana, Mahlo and two accomplices attempted to execute a cash in transit heist near Mogwadi on June 27 last year.
Police received information about a possible heist on a cash in transit vehicle, which was driving to Mogwadi to load money into an ATM.
At approximately 08:00 the four men, driving a sedan, blocked the road on which the security vehicle was travelling and forced it to a standstill.
When the four would-be robbers approached the vehicle and attempted to open it, police officials who were observing the situation moved in,” he said.
“Upon coming face to face with the police, a gunfight ensued whereby one suspect Thabo Piet Maleka (48) died in hospital while the other three were arrested with minor injuries.
“No money was stolen and neither the police- or security officials were injured during the incident. Among the items recovered
” from the three suspects were stolen 9mm firearms, the vehicle in which they were travelling, as well as another getaway vehicle; parked approximately 2km from the scene,” Mulaudzi continued.
“One of three suspects Stanley Mabotha (34) was acquitted by the court from all charges. The other two men, Kubjana and Mahlo were each sentenced to 28 years imprisonment; 10 years for attempted robbery and 18 years for attempted murder. Their sentences will run concurrently,” Mulaudzi said.
Masemola warned cash in transit robbers that the police were resolute in protecting the economy of the province and would leave no stone unturned in the fight against armed robbers.
