THREE men wanted in connection with a hijacking of a Durban North businesswoman in Glenashley in September last year have been given lengthy convictions. Mary-Ann Monori, who was hijacked by Sipho Ngcobo, Bonginkosi Ndletshe and Cebekhulu Bhekizitha, was sentenced to 15 years and 12 years in prison respectively for their part in the hijacking. According to Capt Raymond Deokaran, one of the three suspects was wanted for a murder case in Dalton.

“Sipho Ngcobo was on the run for eights years and was wanted in connection with a murder case in Dalton in 2008. He also managed to escape from a holding cell after overpowering one of the police officers. He was on the run when he committed this crime. Cebekhulu Bhekizitha has also been linked to hijacking in the Durban CBD last year. The first suspect to be arrested was Bonginkosi, who gave up the calling signs of the men involved in the hijacking. They were later picked up in a KwaMashu hostel by Detective Sipho Shezi who was handling the case. The victim in the case positively identified the suspects in an ID parade.

“The station commander commends the detective for his sterling work in this case. The suspect linked to the murder may face more years behind bars as the investigation. These men were serious hardened criminals and we are happy that justice has run its course,” he said.

Monori, who was hijacked on Blue Ridge Road in Glenashley said she was happy to see the men who pulled her out of her vehicle and repeatedly assaulted her being put behind bars. Monori who was severely traumatised by the incident, praised the detective handling her case and the Durban North SAPS. Her Nissan bakkie was later recovered on the same day in Maphumulo.

“I have my ups and downs and I still remember the day clearly. I’m so thankful for the help from Detective Shezi gave and to the Durban North SAPS. I was kept informed of the case all the way through and he was by my side throughout the court case and the sentencing,” she said.