Trio gets aged 27 to 33 years old slapped with over 120 years prison term
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The High Court sitting in Durban has handed down over 120 years prison terms to three men aged 33, 32 and 27.
The trio, Njabulo Nqeka Mazibuko, Xolani Sandile Mlotshwa and Siphelele Funokwakhe were after committing multiple robberies, murder and attempted murder between August and December in 2021.
It is said that prior to the incidents, the trio and other assailants got together to form a syndicate with a common purpose to arm themselves and commit crimes.
They decided to target and rob law enforcement and/or security guards and dispossess them of their official firearms.
Unfortunately during the disarming and robberies, two traffic officers, a security guard and a police officer lost their lives while others survived.
They were eventually arrested after police received information on their whereabouts. In court, Prosecutor Alex Khanyile led the evidence of the law enforcement officers who attended the scenes as well as ballistic evidence.
The State also handed in Victim Impact Statements (VIS) compiled by the family members of the deceased, and facilitated by Courtu Preparation Officer, Sithembile Cebekhulu.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the four counts of murder, 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 15 years imprisonment for each of the six counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and five years imprisonment for each of the three counts of unlawful possession of firearm and the three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.
NPA welcomed the sentencing and added that they hope this will help send a message those who might want to be on the weong side of the law, to reconsider.
“The NPA hopes that this sentence clarifies our stance that crime will not be tolerated.”
“We acknowledge and commend the fruitful working relationship we share with our partners in law enforcement, and the role of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in this matter.”
