Armed robbery: Robber gets 15 years imprisonment

A convicted armed robber was recently sentenced to 15 year behind bars after he robbed a business last year.

MAN APPEARED IN COURT ON CHARGE OF ROBBERY WITH AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES

According to Colonel Katlego Mogale, Hawks spokesperson, the accused – Sphelele Philani Buthelezi (25) appeared in court on Monday. He appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court.

“Buthelezi was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.”

Mogale added that his sentencing originates from an armed robbery which took place on Monday, 08 June 2020.

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ARMED ROBBERY AT A BUSINESS IN THE BOSTON AREA

“The victim was sleeping inside his shop in Incwadi location, Boston area. The man was woken up by the sound of people breaking into his shop.”

Mogale said it was furthermore reported that the armed suspects fired a single shot inside the shop after gaining entry with force.

“During the armed robbery they took various items to the value of R10 000 and fled the scene.”

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Mogale furthermore said that on Friday, 10 July 2020 members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation Pietermaritzburg received more information.

The information revealed that the suspect was in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“An operation was conducted which led to the arrest of Buthelezi.

“Further investigation by the Hawks’ of Serious Organised Crime Investigation team positively linked him to the armed business robbery. “

Last year two suspects accused of bombing ATM’s and robbing businesses in the Sekhukhune District appeared in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s court on a string of charges.

According to police the accused was arrested in connection with ten serious violent crimes which includes murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies.

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