Two robbers known for targeting women and the elderly were recently sentenced, in separate cases, in the Scottburgh Regional Court to an effective 15 years’ imprisonment each.
In the first case, on December 3, 2021 a woman (80) was relaxing in her home in Second Street, Park Rynie, when two unknown men entered her house armed with a knife and firearm.
“They threatened the woman and when her nephew appeared, one of the men stabbed him in the hand,” said police spokesman Captain Petros Mpinge.
“They also threatened his father.”
A security company was alerted and one of the suspects was arrested on the scene and handed over to police. He was charged for robbery with aggravating circumstances and remained in police custody throughout his trial.
Sbonelo Maphumulo (26) was convicted on May 18 and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment of which five years is suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not found guilty of the same offence. The investigating officer was Detective Warrant Officer Njabulo Latha.
In the second case, which occurred on January 24 this year, a woman was hiking on the N2 near the Sezela bridge when an unknown man stopped to give her a lift.
“He produced a knife and robbed her of her cellphone. The woman flagged down a passing policeman, reported what had happened and gave a precise description of the vehicle,” added Captain Mpinge.
“The policeman drove after the man and found his vehicle stationary on the N2 offering another unsuspecting woman a lift. He was arrested.”
After a few court appearances, Enost Vusi Majoka (46) was convicted on May 11 and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment of which five years is suspended for a period of five years on condition he is not convicted of robbery during the period of suspension. The investigating officer was Detective Sergeant Thamsanqa Shozi.
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