A 40-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by the Newcastle Regional Magistrate’s Court last week.
The accused, Sporo Hlela, robbed and stabbed a shop owner near Koppie Alleen Farm on November 26 last year.
According to police, the brazen bandit stole R4 000 from his wounded victim, before attempting to flee the scene on foot.
The community soon caught up to Hlela and found him in possession of the stolen cash. They proceeded to assault him mercilessly before police arrived.
“He was then rushed to Madadeni Hospital, together with the shop owner,” said Dannhauser SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mfanafuthi Nyembe.
Hlela reportedly remained under heavy police guard until he recovered fully.
On April 14, he appeared in court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
The investigating officer was commended for conducting a thorough investigation, and consequently helping secure Hlela’s conviction.
