A 21-year-old student has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for robbing a fellow student.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said Koketso Molefe was sentenced on 30 May by the Hatfield community court for common robbery.
She said on Saturday, 11 May, at about 09:00 a 25-year-old University of Pretoria law student was walking to class.
“At the corner of Hilda and South streets in Hatfield she answered her cellphone and an unknown man grabbed it from behind and ran away.”
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She screamed for help while running after the suspect.
“A motorist came to her assistance and indicated to her that she must get into his vehicle. Together they chased after the suspect.
“When they caught up with the suspect, he flung her cellphone back to her inside the vehicle.”
A university security officer who had heard the screaming and joined the chase, arrested the suspect.
Weilbach said “car-jump robberies” were on the increase especially around student residences and entertainment places where young people hang out.
“Criminals grabbed cellphones from users’ hands and then jump into getaway vehicles nearby. Such robberies occur within seconds.”
She advised cell phone users to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when using cellphones in public.
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“Students are also urged not to get involved in crime.
“It is evident that the courts regard these types of crimes in a very serious light and a criminal record will ruin one’s life and prospects in finding employment.”
Brooklyn SAPS station commander Brigadier Kushie Nair commended investigating officer Warrant Officer Christo Jooste for securing the conviction in the case.
Jooste has a track record of putting robbers behind bars.
She said SAPS Brooklyn investigate a number of robberies of cellphones in the Hatfield area.
“Students and young people are often targeted for their cellphones and laptops.
“Therefore, the sentence that was handed down to a student that robbed a fellow student last month is welcomed by the SAPS,” said Nair.
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