Prison bars for brazen booze gang of robbers

The only bars 11 members of a brazen gang of robbers, who targeted KZN liquor stores will see over the next few years, will be prison bars.

According to a media release issued on Saturday by the National Prosecuting Authority, in August and September last year, the group targeted liquor stores in Newcastle, Ulundi, Esikhawini, Pinetown and Bellair.

Once in the store, they would shop for certain brands of alcohol.

The females in the group would then conceal the alcohol under their clothing and leave the store, followed by the male members.

They were eventually arrested after members of a private security company followed up on information received about the group’s activities.

The accused were traced through the motor vehicle they used in the commission of the offences and were arrested in September 2024 in the Bellair area.

The Durban Regional Court has sentenced Mpendulo Ncwabe (25), Nqubeko Ncwabe (23), Thubalake Xulu (31), Menzi Ncwabe (33), Bonginkosi Ncwabe (48), Njiva Nocawe (38), Aphiwe Mzimba (36), Phathiswa Myathaza (38), Nolwazi Sithole (39), Sisekeno Ncwabe (29), and Ncebokazi Mayekiso (34) to various terms of imprisonment after they pleaded guilty.

Nocawe, Myathaza, Sithole and Mayekiso were sentenced to six years’ direct imprisonment. Mpendulo Ncwabe, Nqubeko Ncwabe, Menzi Ncwabe, Bonginkosi Ncwabe and Aphiwe Mzimba were sentenced to six years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for a period of five years. Xulu and Sisekeno Ncwabe were sentenced to six years imprisonment, of which half was suspended for a period of five years.

Their effective sentence will be three years’ imprisonment. All 11 accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in KZN obtained six confiscation orders to the value of approximately R72 000, and a Section 38 Preservation order for the motor vehicle used in the commission of an offence.

The AFU was represented by Advocate Rajendrie Naidoo, and this matter was successfully finalised by Prosecutor Alexis Appalsamy.

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