THE Durban Regional Court has handed down a hefty sentence of over 60 years to 33-year-old Issa Bakali who was found guilty of attempted cash in transit robbery, attempted murder of a police officer, attempted murder of a security guard, possession of unlicensed firearms and live rounds of ammunition.

Bakali was arrested following his daring armed robbery attempt at the Atrium Centre in Essenwood, Durban, on July 21, 2022. According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, “On 21 July 2022, a cash van security guard was coming from the pharmacy at the Atrium Centre in Essenwood. When he was near the cash van, Bakali drew a firearm and fired shots towards him. The security guard swiftly drew his service pistol and retaliated. Bakali and his accomplices fled the scene. Police vehicle that was in the vicinity gave chase and Bakali was arrested not far from the crime scene. He was found in possession of two 9mm pistols with live rounds of ammunition.”

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For his crimes, Bakali  was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted cash in transit robbery, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder of a police official, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder of a security guard, 15 years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm, 15 years imprisonment for possession of another unlicensed firearm, five years imprisonment for possession of ammunition and six months imprisonment for being in the country illegally.

“His sentence will run concurrently,” said Mhlongo.

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