Bike thieves found guilty

likely to have played any major role in the planning of the crime and had been deceived by “more sophisticated and forceful personalities”.

Makhunoin’s attorney, Sinethemba Mzuzu, also pointed out that his client was a first-time offender who had not completed his basic education but had been trained as a panel beater and mechanic.

He added that the accused had already been in custody for a lengthy period of time which should be taken into consideration when determining an appropriate sentence.

“The items were recovered but were not in the same condition as when they were stolen,” Mzuzu said. “My submission is that they (the victims) have not completely lost their goods.”

However, the prosecution felt that a harsh sentence was in order for all three accused, for various reasons including the fact that the syndicate’s operations were well planned and executed while the culprits even went to the extra effort of poisoning the dogs of their victims.

The value of the stolen property was estimated at slightly under R175 000, which was not all recovered.

Prosecution also emphasised that a lack of education and poverty were not justification for criminal activity, adding that the guilty parties had acted out of greed.

The case was postponed to April 19 for sentencing, with Machava and Makhunoin to remain in custody while Tlhobolo’s bail was extended until her next appearance.