Scottburgh Regional Court sentences duo for robbing and assaulting pensioner
The elderly man's licensed firearm was taken during the altercation.
Seluleko Gumede (23) and Mthokozisi Ngcobo (37) were recently sentenced in the Scottburgh Regional Court, for a 2023 case involving a pensioner who was robbed and assaulted.
According to police, on February 6, 2023, a 61-year-old man was asleep at his residence in Qoloqolo when he heard intruders in the house.
He took his licenced firearm and confronted them.
“They then assaulted him severely on the head and fled, taking his firearm,” said Ugu district police.
On February 8, police responded to a scene where the community had caught one suspect. He was also in his possession of an unlicenced firearm.
Seluleko Gumede was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and possession of an unlicenced firearm. His accomplice Mthokozisi Ngcobo was arrested shortly thereafter by police and he was charged with aggravated robbery.
Sentencing was done on October 30.
Gumede received 10 years direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and seven years imprisonment for possession of an unlicenced firearm. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Ngcobo received 20 years imprisonment of which five years was suspended on condition that he is not convicted of robbery or attempted robbery during the period of suspension.
The acting district commissioner, Brigadier Anton Kapp, is pleased with the outcome of the case and said the sentences meted out demonstrates that criminal activities will not be tolerated by Saps.
The community is also thanked for contacting the police and handing the suspect over to them instead of resorting to vigilantism.
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