12 years prison for Craighall robber

“Legodi Isaac Makho and Benefit Ndlovu, both in their early 30s were sentenced by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court […] for house robbery, possession of stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearms,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha.

The third suspect, Daniel Makgoba Ndala, committed suicide before sentencing while still in custody.

On 6 September, 2012 three armed men broke into the property aided by Benefit Ndlovu. He was employed there as a gardener.

The perpetrators threatened two domestic workers and an overseas visitor with firearms and tied them up.

“During the robbery, Benefit Ndlovu was also tied up [as a] pretence,” said Ramovha.

The armed men stole various items from the house and loaded them into a vehicle belonging to the owner, the stolen vehicle was soon recovered after a shootout occurred with police on Grayston Drive.

Ramovha said, “[During preliminary investigations] Benefit Ndlovu acted suspiciously and could not compose himself when being interviewed.” When Ndlovu was told that the other perpetrators had been caught he then confirmed his involvement in the robbery.

Sally Hudson, owner of the property in Craighall, said Ndlovu had been doing casual work for them for about a year before the robbery occurred. He had been recommended by a friend.

“We were all shocked, we never had any reason to doubt him […] we felt like he was a part of the family,” said Hudson.

She also praised the police for their good work, noting that they were prompt and kept her updated on the case.

Police have urged homeowners to subject prospective employees to security checks by applying for a police clearance certificate which costs R59 before formally offering them employment.

Details: Parkview police 011 486 5000.

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