WENTWORTH detective, Constable Manqoba Zulu secured a conviction that will see a 28-year-old armed robber who preyed on teen scholars jailed for seven years for a crime he committed last November.
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The man was said to be preying on pupils who walked through the Himalayas Road sport grounds on their way to school.
On 15 November, 2016 a 14-year-old boy was on his way to school with his friends when the man approached them and asked for cigarettes. “When the boys said they have nothing for him, he began searching their pockets and took a cellphone from one of the boys,” said Wentworth SAPS communication officer, Capt Mbuso Gumede.
The criminal searched another boy but was met with resistance. He produced a firearm and hit the child with the butt of the firearm before he ran away. It so happened that Wentworth SAPS and Metro Police were patrolling in the area and a Metro policeman found and arrested the culprit.
“He was searched and a black toy gun, a replica of a 9mm pistol, was found on him. The 14-year-old opened a case and the robber was detained,” said Capt Gumede.
Bail was opposed by Detective Cst Zulu and the man was remanded at Westville prison. At the conclusion of his trial in Durban court, the man was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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Cst Zulu received high praise from station management for his commitment to investigating the case and securing the conviction. “This conviction will send a strong message to criminals who rob innocent learners and the community,” added Capt Gumede.
