Two men, who have been robbing visitors to the Groenkloof nature reserve, are facing prison after they were found guilty at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week.
One of the men, Dickson Nyathi (29) was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment.
Nyathi would serve seven counts, including robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted rape, according to police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
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This after Nyati and Vusi Masuku were found in possession of stolen cellphone in June 2016 at a hiding spot in Salvokop.
“Investigations by Constable Sipho Mahlangu established that the suspects had been terrorising visitors to the reserve,” said Selepe.
She said Nyathi was positively identified during an identification parade for the Groenkloof attacks.
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“Nyathi was also linked to four other incidents at the nature reserve.”
Nyathi would hide behind bushes and then rob unsuspecting visitors at gunpoint. He would also assault his victims with a rock and and rob them of their valuables.”
“His co-accused Masuku was not positively identified for the attacks, but he was charged with the possession of a stolen cellphone whereby the court found him guilty.”
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Masuku was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Despite the arrests, Selepe said visitors to Groenkloof – which is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and runners – must still be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
“Hopefully, the two sentences would send a strong message to other would-be criminals,” said Selepe.
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