Kidnapping and robbery earns man 20 years in prison
A man facing three counts, which include robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping, received a 15-year sentence plus five years.
Oyama Mendu (23) from Pollak Park received two 15 years plus five years imprisonment in the Springs Regional Court on February 9.
Mendu was found guilty on three counts, which included two robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.
The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala said Mendu committed the crimes in February last year when he stole a vehicle and cellphone from a woman’s home in Pollak Park.
The victim was opening her gate as she was about to leave for work. When she went back to her vehicle, she found Mendu standing at the driver’s side with a firearm in his hand.
“He threatened to shoot her and ordered her to enter the vehicle, however, she ran back inside her house,” said Tshabalala.
“He followed her, found her with her husband, and demanded cellphones and the keys from them before fleeing with the woman’s vehicle.
“While fleeing with the stolen vehicle, Mendu came across another woman from the area walking towards Springs Road on her way to work.”
He stopped, pointed a firearm at her, and forcefully put her in the boot of the vehicle.
“Mendu arrived at the woman’s residence, and went inside with her while leaving the keys in the ignition,” said Tshabalala.
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The first victim alerted residents in the area about her stolen vehicle, who then went out on a search.
Tshabalala added while the residents were searching, one came across the vehicle parked at the second victim’s place, locked it, and handed the keys to the owner.
Mendu stole household items from the second victim, and realising the vehicle was locked, he requested an e-hailing service.
He was dropped off in Brakpan, where he sold the stolen items. On March 7, Mendu was traced and arrested at a plot in Brakpan.
Springs SAPS Vispol commander and acting station commander Colonel Eric Mhlongo, welcomed the sentence, praising investigating officer Sergeant Raymond Mogashoa.
