Thieves’ crime spree lands them 43 years behind bars
Of the four suspects who broke into a house in eMalahleni, one is still at large.
Three suspects were sentenced to 43 years imprisonment for various crimes committed in 2017.
Thulani Skhakhane (38), Banele Khanyile (30), and Mxolisi Duma (32) were sentenced on Thursday, April 21, by the Amersfoort Regional Court.
The court heard how on August 17, 2017 the three and a fourth suspect who is still at large followed a man at Durban Central who was going surfing and stole his car keys, iPhone, and his watch valued at R50 000. They then drove off in his vehicle, a Honda Jazz and crossed to Mpumalanga Province.
Then just a little over three weeks later on September 23, the four broke into a house in eMalahleni and stole a laptop, television set as well as jewellery.
“They then proceeded to Ermelo where they also broke into a house, stole a television set, camera and a jewellery box,” said provincial spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
Mdhluli said the four then drove to a farm in Amersfoort on the same day.
They found the farm owner’s 87-year-old father, tied him with a rope and assaulted him, then took the firearm safe which had about nine firearms inside as well as jewellery and other valuable items.
“As they were making their way out, a vigilant farmer spotted the vehicle speeding and became suspicious. She then drove after them and alerted other farmers as well as police for assistance. When the four noticed they were being chased, the driver lost control. The three were arrested thereafter and one managed to flee.”
The court found all three guilty on all counts, including housebreaking with the intention to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances (farm attack at Amersfoort), possession of obliterated firearm at Amersfoort, possession of ammunition without a license (at Amersfoort), theft of motor vehicle (at Durban Central), theft (at eMalahleni), and theft (at Ermelo).
Police urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect, to contact Constable Cliff Ndaba on 079 891 5846 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has since applauded the team of detectives for their hard work and thorough investigation that led to this notable sentence.
Read More:
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/185379/farm-attack-at-klipfontein-farm-around-phola-in-ogies/
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