BUSINESS ROBBERY ACCUSED SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT IN MOKOPANE
POLOKWANE The Provincial Commisaioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentencing of a 42-year-old accused, William Mthombothi, to 15 years direct imprisonment by the Mokopane Regional Court on 12 March 2026 for a business robbery that occurred at the Exact Clothing Store in Mokopane on 05 May 2014.
It is reported that at approximately 17:05, the store manager and her colleagues were preparing to close the shop when three unknown male suspects entered the premises and threatened them at gunpoint. The suspects ordered the employees to lie on their stomachs before locking them inside a storeroom and robbing them of their cellphones.
The suspects further stole clothing and shoes valued at approximately R21 000 and an amount of R12 000 in cash before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Following thorough investigations, one of the suspects, William Mthombothi, was positively linked to the crime through fingerprint evidence, leading to the issuing of a warrant of arrest.On 03 October 2025, the suspect was arrested in Komatipoort while attempting to cross the border into Mozambique.
He made his first court appearance on 06 October 2025, where bail was denied.The case was investigated by Sergeant Lucas Letlotlo Ledwaba and Sergeant Peter Matshipi Makwela of the Trio Task Team in Mokopane
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the members involved in the investigation.“This sentence demonstrates that criminals can not evade justice indefinitely. The dedication and persistence shown by our investigators ensured that the accused was ultimately held accountable for this serious crime.We will ensure the other suspects face the same consequences,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe
