Gamble fails for business crime gang
A GANG of six was found guilty by the Durban Regional Court and sentenced to various lengthy terms of imprisonment for the spate of business robberies they committed in KZN between March and September 2019.
They all appeared at the Durban Regional Court on Friday
Sphamandla Njini Zuma (25), Thabiso Gumede (32), Mvuyiso Dondi (30), Maswenkosi Mazwe (27), Sifiso Mhlongo (23) and Serry Myboy Ngcobo (23) were accused of business robbery.
This after they robbed Hollywood Bets in KwaDukuza, Chatsworth, Marshall World of Sports in Pinetown and Amanzimtoti, Playa Bets in Umzinto, TAB in Pietermaritzburg and the Gold Circle in Umlazi.
During their spree, they also robbed several patrons and employees who were present at the time.
The men made off with approximately R600 000 in total from these heists.
The Regional Court heard that all six suspects were traced after a facial recognition analysis was done on the CCTV footage from the stores.
Regional Court Prosecutor, Kuveshni Pillay led the testimonies of the victims as well as the findings of the identity parades and facial recognition expert.
The victims testified about the trauma they experienced during the robberies.
Zuma was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for five counts of robbery and will serve an effective 30 years imprisonment.
Gumede was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for 17 counts of robbery and will serve an effective 70 years imprisonment.
Dondi was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for five counts of robbery and will serve an effective 30 years imprisonment, and Mazwe was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for three counts of robbery and will serve an effective 15 years imprisonment.
Mhlongo was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for 16 counts of robbery and will serve 60 years effectively. Ngcobo was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for six counts of robbery and will serve an effective sentence of 30 years.
The NPA commends the work of the prosecution and the SAPS in contributing to this successful prosecution: "Business robberies are impacting the economy and we hope this successful prosecution has a deterrent effect."