Three robbers were recently sentenced to between 10 to 15 years imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Silverton police spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato said the trio were arrested on 29 January 2016 in Silverton.
“Constable William Houbatla and Constable Dennis Monyemorathoe were at the Engen garage on Simon Vermooten Road when a man came screaming for help,” he said.
“The victim told the officers that he was robbed by three men before he pointed to the direction they ran to. The victim drove with the officers to look for the three men on Pretoria Road.”
Sepato said two of the robbers were found hiding in the bushes in Silverton.
ALSO READ: Silverton man killed in foiled robbery
“One of them was handcuffed but the other resisted arrest. When Constable Houbatla tried to arrest him, he pulled out a firearm and pulled the trigger on the officer, but nothing came off.
Both officers managed to overpower the suspect and disarm him. A third suspect was found nearby and the three were taken to the Silverton police station.”
Sepato said the third robber was found in possession of the victim’s bag.
ALSO READ: Police searching for Silverton armed robbers
The trio, Thabo Makhubela (31), Tshepo Moyeni (31) and Themba Phooko (36) were sentenced earlier this month on charges of armed robbery, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, resisting arrest, and pointing of a firearm.
Sepato thanked the community for their patience.
“We want to thank residents for their patience while the wheel of the law was rolling.”
He also thanked Houbatla, Monyemarathoe and investigating officer Marlice Mudau for their hard work in making sure the robbers were put behind bars.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
