Two robbers convicted for murder after cops shoot accomplice

TWO men were convicted of the murder of their accomplice, who was shot by police, after an armed robbery at Agri-Tek in Hluhluwe.
Sabelo Phakamani Ndwandwe (25) and Sifiso General Mhlongo (30) of Hluhluwe were convicted in the Mtunzini High Court yesterday (Wednesday) by Judge, Madam Justice Moodley.
They were charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm with the serial number removed and capable of semi-automatic fire, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The State, represented by Advocate Dorian Paver, proved that the accused in March 2014 robbed Zakariah Khan and Lucas Mhlanga of Agri-Tek at gunpoint of cash, airtime vouchers and cellphones.
Because of a prior tip-off to the police, officers were on their way to the scene when they were informed that the robbery was already in progress.

Upon arrival, they spotted three suspects fitting the descriptions, who split up and fled the scene.
Mhlongo and the deceased, Senzo Sizwe Gumede, ran together, ignoring the police command to stop.
Gumede slowed down, stopped and pulled out a firearm, wherafter he was shot by the police.
He died at the scene.
Police recovered a 9mm Parabellum calibre Norinco semi-automatic pistol and eight live rounds.
The state charged the accused with the murder of Gumede on the basis that the robbers armed themselves with firearms, ammunition and knives because they knew that they might use force to overcome resistance or to escape.
They also foresaw the possibility that another person may be killed or injured during the planned robbery, to escape or avoid arrest, but they proceeded with their plans, indifferent to the consequence.

At all material times, they acted in common purpose.
Sentencing will commence today.