Former police officials sentenced for cash robbery
On Friday, the High court sitting in Delmas sentenced Petra December Nkosi (33), Elmond Jackie Matlala(43), Lekele Rekson Lekola (48), Oupa Harry Molapo (36), Tamsanqa Gladstone Khubeka (38) , Robert Clark (29), Lesley Skhumbuzo Khathi (38), Enock Siphiwe Khumalo (55), Nathaniel Zithulele Hlathi (46), Titus Maila (47) , Teenage Mabogoane (36), Desmond Moses Abdullah Mohlamonyane (45) and Bhekani Welcome Gcabashe (50) to 20 years direct imprisonment.
The accused were convicted on the following charges; conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, four counts of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property . Three of the accused were also convicted on assault with grievous bodily harm. Amongst the accused, there were former police officials and well known business owners. On 13 April 2014, Elmond Jacki Matlala and his accomplices, armed themselves with their firearms, arrived at the SBV Depot in Witbank.
They introduced themselves as members of SBV Head Office and wanted to question employees at the said premises. As soon as the premises were opened they overpowered employees. They used a specialised industrial drill to get into the safe where they stole an amount of R104 440 845.60. During the robbery, some of the employees were forced into motor vehicles to unknown locations.
The police were summoned, the investigations took place and they were arrested. During the trial, Advocate Hein Van der Merwe led evidence of 61 witnesses including forensic evidence of a piece of paper that was found in SBV premises where the crime was committed, evidence of the three employees who were kidnapped and driven to unknown locations .
The state further led evidence of police investigators and evidence of medical doctors who assisted the victims. Handing down the sentence, Judge Bert Bam, told the court that crime committed was conspired and planned especially robbery of this nature which affects the economy of this country. Not event 10% of the money was recovered. Several police officers were involved whose duty is to protect the community and two of them are wealthy men who are gainfully employed.
He then sentenced them to 20 years direct imprisonment. All assets belonging to the accused with the value of R15 million were forfeited to the state. The NPA welcomes the sentence and applauds Advocate Hein Van Der Merwe and his team for the job well done.
Enquiries:
Monica Nyuswa
DPP Mpumalanga Spokesperson
E-mail: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za
