Two men who terrorised residents in Mayfield and Daveyton by masquerading as soldiers during the Covid-19 lockdown have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

The Benoni Regional Court handed down a 64-year imprisonment sentence to Nelson Themba Khoza (47), also known as Paito Tromboshu, and 49 years to 28-year-old Julio Shiburi, known as Augusto.

The two posed as members of the SANDF, wore army uniforms, and committed house robberies at the height of the national lockdown.
Khoza was convicted on multiple charges, including three counts of house robbery (45 years), assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (two years), rape (15 years), and being in the country illegally (two years).

Shiburi received 45 years for three counts of house robbery, two years for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and two years for being in the country illegally.

According to Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Raider Ubisi, the men targeted homes in Mayfield and parts of Daveyton, forcing entry by using a crowbar.

“Following an intense investigation by Detective Sergeant Teboho Koko, and with the help of an informer, the suspects were traced and arrested at their hiding place in the Daveyton area,” Ubisi said.

During the arrest, police confiscated several items believed to belong to the victims, including plasma televisions, tablets, multiple cellphones, gloves, a crowbar, and the army uniforms used during the crimes.

Putfontein SAPS acting station commander Captain Mahlako praised the dedication of the investigation team.

“The tremendous work done by Koko ensured that these criminals were successfully apprehended and removed from our streets,” he said.

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