DURBAN DEEP ROBBERS FACE JAIL TIME
The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg sentenced Nkosi Sibanda (35) and Mbuso Moyo (37) to life imprisonment on charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances, Njabulo Khowa (22) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment for murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, and the accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
On 11 June 2020, Mr. Mohammed Adenolad parked his Toyota vehicle in front of a tuck shop in Durban Deep, where he was making deliveries. While seated in the car, three men approached him and pointed a firearm at him, demanding money. The three men robbed Adenolad of R5, 100.00 cash, and took a cell phone. The accused physically assaulted Adenolad before fleeing the scene.
A passer-by Mr. Elias Mqengqeleko noticed what had happened and together with the shop owner Mr. Abukar Jama pursued the accused, and the three accused turned back and fired shots at their pursuers. The bullet missed the pursers and hit one of the accused while they were busy fleeing the scene. The deceased was later identified as Maluviwe Qakaza, who died as a result of a piercing gunshot wound to the chest. The shooter rushed to the deceased and took the firearm, which was in the deceased possession, and fled the scene.
Elias Mqengqeleko notified the police that he was familiar with the accused. On the next day, Mr. Mqengqeleko accompanied the police to where the accused stayed, and they were apprehended. The state called Cindy Mahlangu, who told the court that Njabulo Kholwa had told her that he was the one who drove the robbers to the tuck shop to commit the robbery
In arguing for a firm sentence, State Advocate Cobus Ehlers stated that the actions of the accused showed that they have little to no respect for the law and hope that the court will ensure that justice is served, and the accused are brought to book.
The NPA extends its gratitude to the witness that testified during the trial and to State Adv. Cobus Ehlers and Investigating Officer Shilaluke for their role in securing a successful conviction.
