Men sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery near Randburg Taxi Rank

Two years after robbing a man at gunpoint, two men have been sentenced to eight years in prison by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The incident took place near the Randburg Taxi Rank in February 2021.

Their arrests were made possible, thanks to the help of local security guards.

Randburg police spokesperson Captain Makgowanyana Maja explained Emmanuel Ngobese (33) and Abongile Woko (38) were found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“At about 08:00, the victim was coming from the taxi rank on his way to work, when he was approached by the two men,” Maja said.

“He said this was just after he had crossed the Braamfontein Spruit on Republic Road towards Hurlingham. They emerged from the trees. One pointed a firearm at him, while blocking his way; the other one, carrying a knife, blocked him from behind.”

Maja said the man was threatened and ordered to comply as they took his cellphone and cash before fleeing.

A week later, the victim was walking in the area and noticed the two men.

“He went back and informed security officers at a boom gate. Police officers were called and the men searched. They were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and a knife.”

The case docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant Michael Makhopa who investigated the matter and saw the case go to trial.

Each accused was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Station Commander Brigadier Michelle Jones praised the security officers who selflessly left their posts and went over and helped make the arrests.

She further commended the investigating officer who made sure that justice was served.

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