ARMED ROBBER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentencing of 50-year-old Onias Ndlovu by the Johannesburg Regional Court on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, pointing an object resembling a firearm, and contravening the Immigration Act.

The court heard that on 19 April 2025, the complainant was on his way to a church night vigil in Lombardy East when Ndlovu pointed what appeared to be a firearm at him and demanded his jacket and cellphone. The complainant testified that he was particularly shocked by the incident because he had known the accused since childhood.

An unidentified passerby witnessed the robbery and intervened, disarming the accused after a struggle. The witness then assisted the complainant in pursuing Ndlovu, who was eventually apprehended by community members before being arrested by the police.

Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Fisokwakhe Mbili argued that although the complainant recovered his belongings and did not sustain any physical injuries, he suffered psychological trauma after being threatened with what he believed to be a firearm. The State further submitted that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a lesser sentence.

The court agreed and sentenced Ndlovu to 15 years' direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years' imprisonment for pointing an object resembling a firearm, and six months' imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.

The sentences will run concurrently with the 15-year sentence. The court further ordered that Ndlovu be deported upon completion of his sentence.

The NPA welcomes the sentence, which sends a strong message that violent crime will not be tolerated and that offenders who threaten and traumatise members of the public will be held accountable for their actions.

Issued by:

Magaboke Mohlatlole

NPA Communications Officer – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg