Four Zimbabwean nationals sentenced to life for violent robbery spree in South Africa
THE High Court in Pretoria has sentenced four Zimbabwean nationals to life imprisonment for their involvement in a violent robbery spree that resulted in the deaths of SANDF member, Joel Sekano, and an innocent bystander in Brits, North West, in June 2022.
The robbers, who targeted families seated outside in the evenings, stole cellphones and money.
The crime escalated when they shot and killed Sekano, followed by the fatal shooting of a bystander at a tavern the following day.
Cuthbert Ndlovu Malatjila (22) from Winterveldt, Talent Moyo (31) from Oukasie, James Muzora (26), and Luckson Simbarashe Ruchapu (28) from Mabopane were found guilty of premeditated murder, robbery, and attempted murder.
In addition to life sentences for the murder of Sekano and an innocent bystander, Edward Karabo Dire, the four men received 15 years’ imprisonment for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years each for three counts of attempted murder.
The court also imposed further penalties: Malatjila, Muzora, and Moyo were sentenced to a collective 25 years for two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms, and each defendant received 12 months for two counts of possessing ammunition.
Malatjila, Ruchapu, and Muzora were sentenced to 12 months for being in South Africa illegally.
Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that these sentences will run concurrently with the life imprisonment terms.
The tragic incident occurred on June 16, 2022, when Sekano and his friend were standing outside his residence in Masakeng Section, Oukasie, when the four men approached them.
They robbed the victims of their cellphones and wallets, and during the robbery, Sekano’s friend was struck on the head with a firearm, knocking him unconscious. The robbers then fatally shot Sekano and stole his firearm before fleeing the scene.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says, “In court, they pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the State led compelling evidence. And the four were convicted and later sentenced. The NPA welcomed the sentence and reaffirms its commitment for justice in the protection of South African citizens.” NewZimbabwe
