Notorious criminals slapped with three life sentences
The duo was found guilty on 33 counts – among them three murders, seven house-breaking with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five attempted murders.
Two notorious criminals will spend the rest of their lives behind bars after they were handed harsh sentences in the Johannesburg High Court on 26 March.
The convicts, Jansen Jan Jimmy (34) and Lakay Stephen Small (38), were sentenced to three life sentences each, totalling 309 years imprisonment.The duo was found guilty on 33 counts, which included three murders, seven housebreakings with intent to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances and five attempted murders.
According to Sergeant Tshepiso Mashele, the spokesperson for the West Rand Cluster police, the accused and other accomplices committed these crimes between 2015 and 2016.
“Their modus operandi was to break into their victims’ houses and start threatening them with firearms. In most cases, they shot at the victims several times.
Three of their victims, aged between 23 and 67 were shot and killed by the accused. Five others were shot and survived. One of the victims was shot 16 times and succumbed to his injuries on the scene,” Mashele explained.
He added that these accused terrorised the community of the Muldersdrift area in Nooitgedacht until one of the victims spotted them in the area. “On 6 July 2016, the victim notified the police. Sergeant Manana and Constable Bambiso of Muldersdrift Police Station responded swiftly and arrested the first suspect. They worked tirelessly to arrest the second suspect with the assistance of a source,” Mashele recalled.
Also Read: Man hunter remembered
Manana was assigned to investigate this case with the assistance of his colleague. “Working with his colleague, Bambiso, the two members immediately put their experience to the test and bail was successfully denied when the accused appeared in court,” Mashele further explained.
The sentence was handed down by Judge Monama while Advocate du Plooy prosecuted on behalf of the State.
The West Rand Cluster commander, Major General Kekana, applauded the member for his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure justice for the families affected by these senseless crimes. “He showed positive character, diligence, commitment and passion for his work during the trial. He also showed that he can work under pressure and still do his best to serve the community,” said the General.
Manana was also encouraged to continue to serve the force with pride and dignity at all times.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Randfontein Herald
