Cape Town - Three convicted cash-in-transit robbers who targeted a Fidelity armoured vehicle that was carrying Sassa payouts for Nyanga residents, have each been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said the Khayelitsha Priority Court found Siyanda Xawuka, 34, Dumisani Ngudle, 39, and Yongama Ndolombo, 35, guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
On Monday they were each sentenced to an effective 12 years behind bars.
The case dates back to 2013 when the suspects overpowered the armed Fidelity guards who were responsible for Sassa payouts at a community hall in Nyanga.
Hani said the suspects fled the scene in a stolen VW Golf and another unknown vehicle.
“The police gave chase and some of the suspects abandoned the VW Golf and hijacked a school minibus.
“Police continued to chase the fleeing suspects.
“A shootout ensued between police and the robbers, which resulted in the arrest of five suspects.
“The fourth suspect died while out on bail whereas the fifth one was acquitted.
“The team recovered the stolen VW Golf and the minibus during their arrest.
“Siyanda Xawuka, Dumisani Ngudle, and Yongama Ndolombo were not granted bail after their arrests, until they were convicted and sentenced on Monday, October 24, 2022 for robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
“The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently; all three convicted armed robbers will effectively serve 12 years direct imprisonment,” said Hani.
Cape Times