Three men sentenced for attempted car theft

Three men who pleaded guilty to charges of attempted car theft have been sentenced in the Nigel Regional Court on March 2.
Magistrate Juan Voogt sentenced Livingston Walaza (34) to five years in prison and Paul Makhubela (43) and George Mazibuko (43) to eight years in prison each after they were denied bail on January 29.
The men attempted to steal a Nissan Tiida on January 28.The offenders were spotted by NCOP patrollers who confronted them before they ran away and drove off in a White Yaris. The patrollers pursued after the vehicle and informed the police of their whereabouts.
Voogt said the sentence should send out a clear message to anyone who commits similar offences as all three men are previous offenders.
Walaza’s criminal history goes back to 1988 and includes theft, robbery, house break-in and assault. Makhubela was first convicted in 1986 for theft, followed by a string of convictions for assault, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition and attempted murder.
Mazibuko’s first conviction was in 1986 for theft and his criminal history includes house break-in, murder and robbery.
Investigating officer W/O Wilkie Wilkinson said the criminals received the sentence they deserved.
“These robbers have extensive criminal histories and it is clear that the time they have spent in jail has not been sufficient for rehabilitation. We view this as a success since we have pulled three offenders off the streets”, W/O Wilkinson said.
SAPS Nigel’s spokesperson W/O Madeleinevon Wielligh said they take crime seriously and are committed to bringing offenders to justice.