TONGA – Gcina Professor “GP” Shungube has been sentenced to 30 years for armed robbery.
However, his last offence which got him caught was at Cashbuild in Naas where he used a toy gun.
Early last year Shungube went into the store and terrorised the cashiers with what they believed to be an actual firearm, as he put live ammunition on the counter and threatened to shoot them if they did not give him cash from the till. They then handed him the money.
As he attempted to flee, the cashiers shouted for help and prompted a swift response from nearby community members who gave chase and apprehended the suspect. It was then discovered that he had used a toy gun.
Cashiers positively identified Shungube and the store manager also named him as the one who had looted the shop some time ago.
The police were called to the scene and a case of business robbery was opened.
An investigation was started by WO Faneti Ngomane.
Ngomane thanked his commander Lt Col Rueben Pilusa. “This success is not mine alone but must also be attributed to the Tonga task team,” he said.
On December 4, Shungube was found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment by the magistrate, Mr RJ Smith at Tonga Regional Court.
The station commander of Tonga expressed gratitude to Ngomane for his commitment and acknowledged the community for working hand in hand with the police.
