Wentworth accused sentenced to four years for common robbery
Several witness statements and other evidence had to be put together to compile a strong case fit for trial.
A CASE of robbery opened in April 2018 has been successfully solved with the accused sentenced to four years for common robbery. According to Wentworth police spokesperson, a complainant and his friend were sitting together at Duranta Road, Wentworth listening to music on their cellphones when the accused approached them and grabbed both their phones and fled.
“Both victims tried to apprehend him but failed. Both victims reported the case at Wentworth police. Detective W/O Walter Marais was tasked with the investigation. Three other cases were also opened against the same accused known as “Bubbly”. Several witness statements and other evidence had to be put together to compile a strong case fit for trial. Some of the witnesses had refused to attend court in fear of the accused. Another witness relocated to Gauteng and refused to avail himself to give evidence in court. This made it a difficult task for the investigator who was assigned to solve the case. Despite the reluctance of some of the witnesses, others did manage to attend and testify in court,” said Gumede.
The trial proceeded and two cases were withdrawn against the accused, however, he was found guilty in the one for common robbery. The accused was found guilty and sentenced to four years imprisonment at Durban Magistrates Court.
The investigator in this case Detective W/O Marais urges victims who fall prey to any crime to come forward and open criminal cases and also to attend court without fear so that the criminals who torment the community can be brought before court, sentenced and taken off the streets in order to make Wentworth a safe place for all who reside in it.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
