TWO men, found guilty on charges of burglary and aggravated robbery committed last year, were sentenced earlier this month.
A 93-year-old Freeland Park resident had awoken to find two men in his house during the early hours of April 2, 2016. The duo had entered the man’s bedroom, ordering him to remain quiet while they continued to plunder the home.
“They packed property, including a DVD player, watch, laptop, cellphone, liquor and money into bags,” said Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
The men then left, loot in hand, but not before firing a shot. Fortunately, the gun had not been aimed at the elderly man.
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A case was registered and assigned to Detective Constable Weidon Govender of the Scottburgh SAPS Detective Service for investigation.
Four days into the case, Det Cst Govender received some information and successfully apprehended Phakamani Mkhize on the R612 Ixopo Main Road at Ellingham.
Mkhize (30) was found in unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, both of which were seized as exhibits.
Further investigation led detectives to Mkhize property in the Roseville informal settlement area, where a second suspect, Zamokwakhe Zamo Mbanjwa was located with one of the stolen items.
Mbanjwa was taken to his residence in Umlazi, where further stolen items were recovered.
Mbanjwa was convicted of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and a further 15 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
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Mkhize was sentenced to a total of seven years’ imprisonment, five years for the unlawful possession of a firearms and an additional two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
Ugu Cluster commander, Major General Sethenya Agnes Nxamagele, was pleased with the convictions and sentencing of the two accused and commended Detective Constable Govender for the thorough investigations that had secured the convictions.
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