Evander Court sends robber to jail for 15 years

Thomas Thabo Mayisa (32) was sentenced to an effective 15 years in prison following the foiled robbery which claimed the life of his 46-year-old friend in Leandra’s Extension 9 on December 30, 2021.

Mpumalanga police spokesman, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said Mayisa and two other accomplices hit a Somali businessman.

The Somali shop owner was with his brother at his business premises when the gang tried to rob them at around 11:40.

The trio were using a Renault Megane with Gauteng registration number plates.

Mayisa and his 46-year-old accomplice entered the business premises leaving the third man in their gateway car.

The brother to the business owner was hit with an object from behind.

Mohlala said both victims were held hostage.

One suspect was in possession of a firearm while the other was holding a knife.

“They demanded cash.

“The shop owner diverted the attention of Mayisa’s friend by pointing in the direction where the money was kept. The friend was distracted and looked into direction he was shown. That was when the shop owner swiftly drew his firearm and shot the robber multiple times which led to his death.”

The victim also shot Mayisa in the thigh.

The wounded Mayisa managed to get into the waiting car and fled the scene with the driver.

Mohlala said further investigation shared some information about a patient in hospital with a gunshot wound.

Police went to the hospital and found Mayisa, the robbery suspect for whom they had been searching.

Mayisa was arrested and charged.

The driver could not be found and Mayisa alleged at the time that the driver was a hired hand.

After several court appearances, Mayisa pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 23 to 15 years imprisonment for aggravated business robbery.

The managent of SAPS in Mpumalanga welcomed the sentence and commended the team of investigators, the prosecution team and the judiciary for the excellent work done.