TWO convicted hijackers and a thief will spend a combined 55 years in prison, thanks to the tireless efforts of Wentworth SAP’s Warrant Officer SP Ngcobo.
Through his investigative work, W/O Ngcobo was able to secure convictions of 10, 15 and 30 years for three criminals who plagued the South Durban area.
The first was Mohamed Sassman also known as Baby, who was sentenced to 10 year in prison for a 12 February theft at the Austerville swimming pool parking lot. At about 1.15pm, a learner driver and tutor were threatened at knife point while practising manoeuvres in the parking lot. He ripped a necklace off the neck of learner driver, and her driving instructor reacted by firing a warning shot, causing Sassman to flee.
Investigations led to his arrest and first appearance in Durban U court on 20 March. Bail was denied, while W/O Ngcobo investigated further and on Tuesday, 20 May, Sassman was sentenced to 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
On Monday, 26 May, the W/O’s hard work led to the imprisonment of Jabulani Kunene for hijacking. Mrs V Naidoo and her sister were hijacked by three men as they pulled up to a house in Junnagarth Road in Merebank. They forced the two women out of the car at gunpoint and sped off in her vehicle and a blue Hyundai. Kunene and Naidoo’s car were seized 20 minutes later at Mega City in Umlazi. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison in Durban Court, after numerous bail applications were denied.
The final sentence of 15 years was given to Langalakhe Miya for the 17 July, 2013 hijacking of a Mercedes Benz in Lubbe Road in Wentworth. At about 8am, he hijacked the vehicle outside the owner’s home at gunpoint. The car was recovered the next day in Musgrave Centre by the provincial task team and Miya was arrested. He appeared in Durban Court on 22 July, 2013 and bail was denied. W/O Miya continued his investigations and after bail was denied again on 30 July 2013, he was eventually sentenced on 28 May for robbery and hijacking with aggravating circumstances.
W/O Ngcobo is commended by branch commander Major Ramdass for securing the convictions and for his tireless effort in making sure that the culprits were finally sentenced. Wentworth SAP communications officer, Lueitenant Gumede said police have step up patrols in Merebank, Wentworth and Treasure Beach to ensure the safety of the community.
