A 40-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHTEEN YEAR (18) IMPRISONMENT FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES INCLUDING POSSESSION OF AN UNLICENSED FIREARM

A 40-YEAR-OLD MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHTEEN YEAR (18) IMPRISONMENT FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES INCLUDING POSSESSION OF AN UNLICENSED FIREARM

POLOKWANE: The Mokopane Regional Court seating on Wednesday 24 May 2023 convicted and meted out a sentencing of eighteen years imprisonment to the accused, Bushy Vincent Kekana aged 40 for pointing of firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The Court heard that the accused who was granted parole on 2018 while serving a jail term for business robbery, murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, was involved in a ATM bombing Incident during September 2021 at Moletlane Net 01.

He managed to evade an arrest but through intelligence and thorough investigations police managed to link Vincent Kekana with the incident. The accused was then arrested by members of the Provincial Tracking Team in Lebowakgomo policing precinct, three months after the incident and was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition and inked money.

Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola attached at the Provincial Tracking Team was assigned to investigate the case and carried out a meticulous investigations that ensured that sufficient evidence is gathered and the accused account for his criminal activities.

Subsequently, the Mokopane Regional Court found him guilty and sentenced Kekana to eighteen years imprisonment which were handed as follows:

• Possession of an unlicensed firearm sentenced to ten (10) years.
• Pointing of firearm sentenced to five (05) years.
• Possession of ammunition sentenced to three (03) years.

After his arrest, the parole was cancelled and initial sentencing of twenty years (20) for murder, business robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition which was supposed to end in 2028 now will then continue with the additional eighteen years imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has warmly welcomed the sentencing and conviction, and further applauded the team for ensuring that criminals are kept away from the society.