Long sentences for pension theft gang

Ruling welcomed for sending strong warning to criminals

The Lady Frere regional court sentenced the armed gang which robbed Cacadu (formerly known as Lady Frere) of its pensions, Xolisile Xhayimpi, 45, Abongile Ncinithwa, 35, and Luyanda Mhlayimpi, 35, to a total of 55 years in jail.

Fourth accused Siyabulela Mjongile, 35, died during the trial.

In a statement, Hawks’ Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said Xhayimpi and

Ncinithwa were sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment, while Mhlayimpi would be in jail for 25 years, meaning he will be 60 when he steps out of prison in 2084.

They were found guilty on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a stolen vehicle, firearms and ammunition, and were sentenced on Thursday April 4.

Mgolodela said that on September 14 2018, at about 7.50am, Fidelity security guards were sorting out money for pension payouts in Cacadu when they were accosted by the four men at gunpoint.

Pensioners were ordered by the gang at gunpoint to lie on the ground.

The gang then overpowered the security guards and fled with the pensioners’ money in a Cash Payment Solutions (CPS) Toyota bakkie.

The gang then jumped into two getaway vehicles, a black BMW and a silver Toyota Run X with a Cape Town registration plate.

Police units began a manhunt that led to the arrests of three suspects that month. The BMW, an R4 rifle, a revolver and an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered. While the three were appearing in the Lady Frere magistrate’s court, Mjongile was arrested for an armed robbery in Butterworth, and two firearms were seized.

Investigators managed to link him to the Cacadu heist, Mgolodela said.

Mgolodela said acting provincial SAPS head, Brigadier Venessa Shantelle Hastings welcomed the sentencing as being “retributive (severe) enough to send a stern message to would-be perpetrators out there”.