A 30-YEAR-old man was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery by the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 15 April.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Lt Bongumusa Manqele, said it is alleged that the victim (46) was driving along Josiah Gumede Road and stopped at the intersection with Crompton Street.
“He was approached by two men, one armed with a knife, when he stopped at a red traffic light. The robbers threatened him with a knife and took his two cellphones,” he said.
An off-duty policeman from Hillcrest police station, who was following the victim’s vehicle, witnessed the robbery.
“The officer jumped out of his vehicle and managed to arrest one of the men. The two cellphones that were taken during the robbery were recovered. The second robber managed to flee the scene on foot.
“The arrested man later appeared in court and was refused bail,” said Manqele.
After making several appearances in court, the suspect was finally convicted and sentenced to 15 years.
