In a significant case in South Africa's ongoing fight against violent crime, Dumisani Duma and Makabongwe Mthongana, two parolees, have been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison. The sentencing took place at the Mthatha High Court on Friday, October 2, 2026. The men were convicted of a brazen bank robbery in Dutywa and the death of their accomplice, Lungile Jamiso, during a shootout with police.
The case dates back to November 2022, when Duma and Mthongana, along with Jamiso, robbed U-Bank in Dutywa. The robbers held a bank employee at gunpoint and made off with approximately R600,000 in cash. The employee was released unharmed shortly before the getaway vehicle, a hijacked red VW Polo, sped off. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders running for cover as the robbery unfolded rapidly.
The getaway vehicle eventually became stuck in mud near Ngcobo, where police intercepted the group. A shootout ensued, resulting in the fatal shooting of Jamiso. Duma and Mthongana were arrested at the scene and later convicted of multiple charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime, conspiracy to commit robbery, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Handing down the sentence, acting judge Somacala emphasized the seriousness and prevalence of violent crimes in South Africa. He noted that the nation appears to have lost hope in the justice system due to the high levels of violent crime. Somacala stressed that it is the duty of the courts to restore hope by dispensing justice appropriately in such cases.
Somacala highlighted the aggravating factors in this case, including the fact that Duma and Mthongana were on parole when they committed the crimes. He expressed concern that they had not been deterred from committing serious violent crimes despite previously being injured during another robbery for which they were serving sentences that led to their parole.
The judge also noted that Duma and Mthongana had maintained their innocence throughout the trial, but cautioned against using this against them when imposing sentence. Somacala emphasized that their conduct should not be isolated from the facts of the case and used against them on sentence.
The sentences handed down to Duma and Mthongana include 15 years for the murder of Jamiso, 15 years each on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 10 years each on two counts of attempted murder, 10 years for possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime, five years for conspiracy to commit robbery, and five years for unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25-year prison term.
Key points
- The two parolees were sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison for their roles in the Dutywa bank robbery and the death of an accomplice.
- The case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in South Africa and the need for the justice system to address it effectively.
- The judge emphasized the aggravating factors of the defendants' parole status at the time of the crime and their previous involvement in violent crimes.
