Armed robber to serve lengthy prison term
The sentence of 15 years for the carjacking, plus 1 year for possession of ammunition, will run concurrently with the sentence of 10 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm
A hijacker will be serving a lengthy term in jail after being convicted and sentenced in the Ezakheni Regional Court at the end of last month.
On Friday, August 28, 31-year-old Mdumiseni Thembinkosi ‘Rasta’ Khumalo was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for holding up a taxi driver at gunpoint and stealing his vehicle. Khumalo was also sentenced to 10 years for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, and a further 1 year for possession of ammunition.
The hijacking occurred on May 13 last year. The taxi driver was dropping off passengers at the Mziyonke turn-off in the Ezakheni area at about 7pm when the accused (who was one of the passengers at the time) pointed a firearm at him, and then robbed him of the taxi and cash (collectively to the value of about R120,000).
The accused was arrested on the same night by members of the community, who found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm which he used to commit the robbery. He was handed over to Ezakheni SAPS, where he was linked to the carjacking.
The sentence of 15 years for the carjacking, plus 1 year for possession of ammunition, will run concurrently with the sentence of 10 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
All these dockets were investigated by Sergeant Shilutu of Ezakheni Detective Services.
“His good investigation skills secured the evidence needed to ensure a successful conviction and sentencing of the accused,” said Ezakheni station commander, Colonel VS Dludla.
For the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
