VEREENIGING. –  The Station Commander of Vereeniging SAPS, Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba has applauded her members for a thorough investigation following a robbery at an accident scene by five Ethiopian nationals.

The incident happened at the corner of Leslie and Smuts Avenue in Vereeniging on January 10.

Police spokesperson Captain Fikile Funda reports that on Wednesday, January 10, a taxi patrol car that had four occupants was involved in an accident with a motorbike.

“Following the accident, about five Ethiopian nationals attacked the occupants of the motor vehicle that was involved in the accident.

“Two occupants and the motorbike driver fled the scene, while the driver and one passenger remained on the scene. The suspects then robbed two men on the scene, seized their firearms, and fled the scene.”

Funda confirms that a common robbery case docket was opened by police and investigated after which five suspects were arrested.

“The two firearms were recovered from two of the suspects. On the second court appearance, the suspects and the victims made an out-of-court settlement, but because the charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm is a state case, the court proceeded with the case.”

The case proceeded and on February 29, the five accused were found guilty by the Vereeniging Magistrates Court.

“Accused 1,2,3 and 5 were issued a fine of R2000 or two months imprisonment. They were further given a R10 000 fine or ordered to spend six months imprisonment suspended for five years. Accused 4 and 5 were issued a fine of R20 000 or one-year imprisonment wholly suspended for five years and declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

Ndaba congratulated members for working hard to ensure that justice is served.