FOUR suspects in the dock for business robbery, where schools were targeted, are due to hear their fate at the Pinetown Regional Court on Monday, June 29.

It is reported that in 2023, the suspects robbed staff from schools in the Molweni, Nazareth and Ntshongweni areas at gunpoint, taking their cellphones, laptops and other belongings.

The suspects face a total of 26 counts, which include business robbery and illegal possession of a firearm.

Also read: Extortion allegations against Metro cops to be investigated further

The modus operandi of the suspects, aged 19 to 24, namely, Brian Charles, Mthobisi Shozi, Lebogang Magwaza and Sbonelo Mkhulisi, was to present themselves at the schools as parents and once they had gained entry at a school, they would isolate the principal in one office, while the rest of the staff were held at gunpoint in a separate one.

The investigating officer, Constable Siphiwo Leonard Cele, said during one robbery incident, gunshots were fired at one of the schools in Nazareth and fortunately no injuries were reported.

“When they were arrested, we were able to recover the goods which were suspected to be stolen,” said Cele.

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