Two former security guards sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing R2.9 million
The R2.9 million that two former security guards, Tinyiko Thomas Maluleke (41), and Rofhiwa Emmanuel Luvhimbi (31) stole, was buried in ice-cream containers and refuse bags in the Ravele Riverside area near Waterval
LIMPOPO – Two former security guards, Tinyiko Thomas Maluleke (41) and Rofhiwa Emmanuel Luvhimbi (31), were sentenced to nine years direct imprisonment with an option of a fine in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 May, for theft of R2.9 million.
Maluleke and Luvhimbi, who were employed by a Cash-In-Transit company in Louis Trichardt, conspired and stole R2.9 million between December 2018 and January 2019 after the pair, had collected money on the job and instead of depositing it, took it for themselves.
Read more: [WATCH] Limpopo police unearth cash worth R2.6 million hidden in ice cream tubs
The Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Captain Matimba Maluleke said the theft was reported by the pair’s manager after Maluleke and Luvhimbi failed to account for the missing money.
“An operation comprising of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, crime intelligence, the Makhado Task Team and the Thohoyandou Tactical Response Team was tasked to investigate the matter. Almost R2.7 million was recovered when police arrested the two guards separately in the Ravele Riverside area and the other in Waterval just outside Elim.”
Maluleke’s statement went on to explain that the investigation team searched three different locations during an overnight operation and found banknotes buried in the convicts’ yards, some of it stashed in ice-cream containers and refuse bags.
“One of the suspects had already bought a double cab vehicle and building material, which was later confiscated by the investigating team. The pair made a series of court appearances before the Makhado Regional Court and were convicted on Monday,” he concluded.
