Dumisani Duma, 38, and Makabongwe Mthongana Mkhize, 37, were sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison for robbing a U-Bank branch in Dutywa, Eastern Cape. The robbery occurred on November 3, 2022, and the duo stole approximately R600,000 in cash. They were on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions when they committed the offence. The sentences were handed down in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha.
According to Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the court heard that Duma and Mkhize, along with their late accomplice Lungile Jamiso, conspired to rob the bank and armed themselves with firearms. The trio entered the bank, threatened employees, and used a bank employee as a human shield during their getaway. They later hijacked a vehicle after assaulting and threatening its owner.
A pursuit involving police and members of the public followed, ending near the Beyele turn-off in the neighbouring Ngcobo district. A shootout broke out between the robbers and police officers, during which Jamiso was fatally wounded. Duma and Mkhize were arrested at the scene, while the stolen money was recovered. Despite the evidence presented against them, both men pleaded not guilty and offered bare denials.
Senior State Advocate Mduduzi Mzila led evidence from more than 15 witnesses, resulting in the pair being convicted on all charges. The court imposed individual sentences ranging from five to 15 years for the various offences. Some sentences were ordered to run concurrently, while others were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective 20-year sentence for each accused.
The court noted that both Duma and Mkhize were on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions when they committed the Dutywa offences. The court also noted that Duma had previously suffered serious injuries, including partial paralysis of an arm, during another robbery. Despite this, he continued to engage in violent criminal conduct, the court found.
The NPA welcomed the sentences, saying the outcome demonstrated the justice system's determination to hold violent offenders accountable. The NPA said the sentences should send a strong message that organised and violent crime would have serious consequences. The authority remains committed to prosecuting violent offenders and pursuing sentences that reflect the seriousness of offences.
The sentences handed down to Duma and Mkhize reflect the severity of their crimes and the justice system's commitment to holding offenders accountable. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in South Africa. The NPA's efforts to secure convictions and sentences in cases like this demonstrate its dedication to upholding the interests of justice and protecting communities.
Key points
- The two men were sentenced to 20 years each for robbing a U-Bank branch in Dutywa while on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions.
- The robbery resulted in the theft of approximately R600,000 in cash.
- The sentences demonstrate the justice system's determination to hold violent offenders accountable.
