THREE HOUSE ROBBERS SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
26 May 2025
THREE HOUSE ROBBERS SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT
Port Nolloth, Northern Cape – The Regional Court in Springbok has sentenced three men, Rorisang Jack, Best Cumbuia, and Mokone Motsoane, to effective 20-year prison terms for their roles in a violent house robbery that occurred in Port Nolloth on the evening of 07 December 2022. On that evening, Paulo Bernardo, his elderly mother, and his son were spending a quiet evening at home when seven armed suspects, including the three convicted, executed a coordinated robbery. Bernardo was ambushed outside his home, forced into a nearby office, and held at gunpoint. Meanwhile, three intruders stormed the house, confronting his mother and son.
The robbers tied up the victims and demanded money. Under duress, Bernardo’s son transferred R125,000 into a bank account linked to one of the accused. In total, the robbers fled with approximately R325,000 in cash, foreign currency, electronics, and keys. Before fleeing, they restrained the entire family. Thanks to the swift action by Bernardo’s wife and the South African Police Service (SAPS), a minibus taxi carrying seven men was intercepted during a routine patrol near Springbok. A search led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, Bernardo’s iPhone, other stolen goods, and 12 uncut diamonds. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, and a third was apprehended shortly thereafter.
The accused were positively linked to the robbery and charged accordingly. They were convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and other related offences. In addition, Cumbuia was found guilty of contravening the Immigration Act as he was in the country illegally. In delivering the sentence, the court emphasised the gravity of the offence, the trauma inflicted on the victims, and the sanctity of the home as a place of safety. Regional Court Prosecutor, Basil Kock, successfully argued against any deviation from the prescribed minimum sentences.
The court imposed the following sentences: Rorisang Jack: 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for possession of a firearm, 5 years for possession of ammunition, and 4 years for possession of uncut diamonds, Best Cumbuia: 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for possession of a firearm, 5 years for possession of ammunition, and 2 years for contravening the Immigration Act and Mokone Motsoane: 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for possession of a firearm, and 5 years for possession of ammunition.
In terms of Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the court ordered portions of the sentences to run concurrently. As a result, each accused will serve an effective 20 years in prison. The recovered firearms and diamonds were forfeited to the state.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains resolute in combating organised crime and violent offences. This outcome reflects our commitment to ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law and that justice is served for victims of such crimes.
Issued by:
Mojalefa Senokoatsane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Northern Cape Division
MSenokoatsane@npa.gov.za
073 423 3539