CIT robber gets two life sentences, 130 years

Stanford Manoko Diagoane (40) of Soshanguve was found guilty on 15 charges including the double murder of two security guards, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

He was sentenced on Friday, by the North Gauteng High Court.

For the double murder Diagoane was handed two life sentences and a further 130 years imprisonment, for robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, endangering lives or property, conspiracy to commit robbery and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said Diagoane was arrested on 7 July 2018, for the possession of two assault rifles found at a house in Soshanguve

“The rifles were linked to a cash-in transit robbery that took place near Marikana village on Soutpan Road.”

Mulamu said the armoured cash vehicle was accosted by the accused and two security personnel were fatally wounded.

She said the suspects used explosives to destroy the safe of the cash van and fled with R641 000.

“Further investigation by the joint team led to the arrest of Lizzy Lekgotoane (68), Quomane Letshoa (41) and Jabulani Mmamadi (36) in Soshanguve. The three were also charged for the murder and weapons discovery.”

Letshoa and Mmamadi were later granted bail, however, three months after their release, they were killed in two separate incidents.

“Letshoa was poisoned and Mmamadi was shot and killed days before they were to appear in court for the same case.

“Diagoane and Lekgotoane went through a series of court appearances until Thursday when Lekgotoane was found not guilty and discharged while Diagoane was found guilty as charged.”

Mulamu said the Hawks welcomed the collaborative endeavours with crime intelligence that enabled the conviction of Diagoane.

“There are a very comprehensive set of initiatives countrywide to target the illegal proliferation of firearms and serious crimes. All necessary steps will be taken to apprehend those who are supplying weapons and all dangerous groups that are bringing fear to communities.”

She also warned community members to stay away from CIT scenes as it was dangerous for them and they could also be charged with tampering with evidences.