Ten men who terrorized Durban businesses in brazen daytime armed robberies have been sentenced to a combined effective 245 years in prison. The Durban Regional Court imposed the sentences for a spate of robberies committed between 2017 and 2019. The robberies targeted mostly stores belonging to The Foschini Group (TFG), resulting in significant financial losses and severe trauma to employees.
The men, who posed as customers before drawing firearms, were arrested in 2019 after several robbery cases were registered. KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the men would enter businesses pretending to be customers before producing firearms and threatening security guards and employees. They fled with cash, cellphones, clothing, and other goods.
During the trial, prosecutor Surekha Marimuthu presented evidence from 27 witnesses, including fingerprint and facial recognition experts who linked the men to the offences. The evidence presented helped to build a strong case against the accused, ultimately leading to their conviction. The trial highlighted the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims.
The sentences handed down to the men reflect the severity of their crimes. Thabiso Mdletshe received 41 years, Philani Magongo 10 years, Wonder Brilliant Mcwabe 31 years, Michael Nxumalo 24 years, Khanyisani Thusi 18 years, Lindani Ndlovu 18 years, Thokozani Mdlalose 30 years, Sandile Ngcobo 21 years, Sabelo Shandu 25 years, and Andile Mchunu 27 years. The sentences amount to a combined effective 245 years’ imprisonment.
The impact of the robberies on the businesses and employees was significant. An employee of TFG Limited testified about the financial losses and the impact on staff. The businesses suffered losses amounting to several million rand as a result of the robberies. Additional expenditure was also incurred to strengthen security measures, while employees were severely traumatized by the incidents.
The NPA has welcomed the sentences, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators of serious and violent crime accountable. Ramkisson-Kara said business robberies had consequences extending beyond the premises targeted, including significant financial losses and negative effects on the economy. The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crime without fear, favour or prejudice.
The successful prosecution of these men demonstrates the commitment of the NPA to tackling serious and violent crime. The sentences handed down serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar crimes. The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the NPA in bringing perpetrators to justice and holding them accountable for their actions.
Key points
- The men received a combined effective 245 years in prison for their roles in the robberies.
- The robberies had a significant impact on the businesses and employees, resulting in financial losses and severe trauma.
- The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of serious and violent crime without fear, favour or prejudice.
