THE judgment of the four men accused of armed robbery at schools was postponed at the Pinetown Regional Court on Monday (June 29).

Mthobisi Shozi and his co-accused, Brian Charles, Lebogang Magwaza and Sbonelo Mkhulisi, are due back in court on July 9 and 10 to hear their fate.

The presiding officer in the matter, Magistrate Muntu Khumalo, said on Monday: “Unfortunately, this matter cannot proceed today because the court has to go through volumes of evidence that was led in these proceedings.”

The four suspects are in the dock for business robbery, where schools were targeted.

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.

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The modus operandi of the suspects, aged 19 to 24, 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

The communications officer at the Pinetown Police Station, Jennifer Naidu, said the SAPS commends the investigating officer for the dedication, perseverance and professionalism displayed in bringing this matter to this advanced stage of the judicial process.

“Behind every case is a member who often works tirelessly, despite challenges and limited resources, to ensure that every lead is followed and every piece of evidence is meticulously gathered.

“While much of this work takes place behind the scenes and often goes unseen, it reflects the unwavering commitment of our members to serve with integrity and to ensure that justice is pursued through due process. SAPS remains committed to supporting the judicial process and to serving and protecting our communities,” said Naidu.

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