THREE accused involved in an armed robbery case were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Durban Magistrate’s Court recently.

The trio aged between 21 and 27 committed the armed robbery in March 2025 at Major Calvert flats in Wentworth.

Also read: Manhunt underway after Merebank robbery

Suspects caught red-handed

According to Wentworth police station, the accused were caught red-handed robbing the driver of a courier bakkie. The driver had parked along Major Calvert Road while his assistant went to buy cigarettes at a nearby shop.

Police spokesperson in Wentworth Captain Mbuso Gumede said observant members of the Wentworth Vispol, while on patrol, noticed a group of more than 10 men surrounding a bakkie.

Gumede said the group of men were pushing a bakkie until it eventually crashed into a tree.

“The quick response by the two officers led to the arrest of three suspects who were eventually caught after a long chase on foot into flat 113 C Woodville flats. The three were caught and brought up where the scene of the crime had started,” said Gumede.

The detective secured a triple conviction and sentencing in the case of armed robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The police recovered the items that were stolen during the robbery.

Also read: Crime plagues Wentworth community

Upon seeing the marked police van, the suspicious males ran in different directions into the flats.

The driver was already waiting at the scene, and he told the police that while he was waiting for his assistant, the men held him up at gunpoint and with knives. A cellphone and R400 were taken from the bakkie.

“The driver and his assistant positively identified all three suspects at the scene. The three suspects were taken into custody, detained for robbery with aggravating circumstances by the officers,” Gumede added.

Police launch investigation

A case was assigned to Detective Warrant Officer Cynthia Buyi Mnguni for further investigation. According to Gumede, Mnguni led the invesgation until the suspects were convicted and sentenced.

Also read: Justice served: Robbery victim speaks out

The station commander for Wentworth police station, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, and the management praised Mnguni highly for working tirelessly and displaying professionalism in solving the case.

Mtshali also praised the two officers who made the arrests, and encouncraged them not to give up, and to ensure that justice is served.

“I would like to thank the community who blow the whistle against crime in Merewent area, and urge the public to report crime. Anonymity will be guaranteed at all times,” Mtshali added.

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