A life imprisonment sentence, handed down to a man for committing robbery being in possession of a dangerous weapon has been applauded.
Constable Zanele Khomo from Durban Central SAPS said the accused, Lungile Sabelo Msimanga (28), had threatened the lives of people walking in the central business district of Durban.
Originally form Folweni, Msimanga will now spend his life in prison after he was convicted and sentenced by the Durban Regional Court on 20 August.
According to Constable Khomo, it is alleged that on 26 December 2018 at about 2.20pm, one of Msimanga’s victims was walking on Warwick Avenue when he was approached by two unknown males from behind.
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“One man pointed a knife at him and took his cellphone and wallet containing cash. The victim saw a patrol vehicle that was passing by and stopped it and identified the suspects who robbed him. Msimanga was positively identified and was searched. He was found in possession of a knife and the stolen items, and was arrested and charged for robbery and possession of a dangerous weapon,” she said.
He made his first court appearance in Durban Magistrate’s Court on 4 January and was remanded in custody for seven days. He appeared in court again on 21 February and was remanded in custody for further investigation.
“Further investigation revealed that he had been arrested before on cases of robbery, as well as theft and possession of drugs in 2012. He appeared for formal bail application on 27 February and bail was denied until his trial began on 17 July. He made several court appearances until he was convicted and sentenced on 20 August to life imprisonment,” said Khomo.
The investigation was conducted by W/O Njabulo Sibusiso Khoza.
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