The fate of two men who stole a pedestrian’s phone in June 2016 was sealed when they were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on Monday, 19 December.
At about 11am on 28 June, a pedestrian was crossing the Umdoni Road bridge when he was approached by two 20-year-old men who asked for a lighter.
When he failed to respond to their request, they blocked his way, pushed him and pulled at his clothes. The ensuing struggle between the victim and one of the criminals resulted in them both rolling down the embankment.
Read the original story here: Cellphone thieves throw man over N2 bridge
They took victim’s cellphone, a Samsung valued at R4,500, from his pocket and fled into nearby bushes. The victim returned to the top of the road and asked for help from a breakdown vehicle driver parked nearby who called 10111.
Read also: UPDATE: Man thrown from N2 bridge speaks
An armed response unit and members of the Metro Police K9 unit quickly responded. Armed with a description of the men, they set off and soon arrested the criminals who were positively identified by the victim. His cellphone was also found in their possession.
Lwazi Dlamini and Nhlakanipho Knowledge Gumede, both 20-years-old, were charged with common robbery after being denied bail, and on being found guilty in Amanzimtoti Magistrates Court, were sentenced to serve three years in prison. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Investigating officer from Toti SAPS detective branch, Sgt Blessing Ngcobo, was applauded for securing the conviction while those who effected the arrest were also praised for their efforts.
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