MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ROBBERY WITH AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
16 September 2025
MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ROBBERY WITH AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – The Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Eddy Mokoena (23) to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, after attacking a school learner and stealing his cellphone.
On 20 February 2025, a 15-year-old learner was on his way to school at Numbi Trust when Mokoena approached him and asked for the time. As the learner took out his cellphone, Mokoena produced a knife, stabbed him on the upper arm, and forcefully grabbed the device before fleeing. The victim reported the incident to school officials, and with the assistance of the School Governing Body (SGB), the accused was traced to his home, where the stolen cellphone was recovered. Police were immediately alerted, and Mokoena was arrested the same day. He was denied bail and remained in custody throughout the proceedings.
In court, Mokoena pleaded guilty. However, State Prosecutor Simon Mamabolo argued that the plea was not genuine, but rather a result of the overwhelming evidence against him. Mamabolo highlighted that the complainant was attacked in broad daylight while in school uniform, urging the court to impose an appropriate sentence. Delivering judgment, Magistrate Marlene Greveinstein noted that although the prescribed minimum sentence is 15 years, there were compelling circumstances to deviate, including Mokoena’s guilty plea and the fact that he is a first offender. She sentenced him to 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the speedy finalisation of the matter. Outcomes such as these provide justice to victims while ensuring violent criminals are removed from society. These results are made possible through diligent investigations and reflect the NPA’s firm commitment to prosecuting violent crime. Ends.
Issued by:
Monica Nyuswa
Regional Spokesperson
NPA Mpumalanga
013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446