TWO MEN CONVICTED OF ARMED ROBBERY AND MURDER IN KWANOBUHLE
21 July 2025
TWO MEN CONVICTED OF ARMED ROBBERY AND MURDER IN KWANOBUHLE
GQEBERHA – The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Gqeberha, has convicted Ntlantle Jawa (32) and Siphosethu Level (26) on multiple charges stemming from a violent robbery spree in KwaNobuhle, Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), on 29 July 2023. The pair pleaded not guilty to all charges, but the court found them guilty of two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and one count of murder. The level was acquitted on the charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and both accused were also acquitted of one count of pointing a firearm or antique firearm.
According to evidence presented, at approximately 20h00 on the evening of the incident, the first complainant arrived at his home in KwaNobuhle and parked his blue Audi. As he exited the vehicle, he was confronted by Jawa, Level, and a third man (now deceased), who pointed a firearm at him, demanded his car keys, and robbed him of R20 and his cellphone before fleeing in the Audi. Approximately 15 minutes later, a second complainant and his wife arrived at their family home in the same area. As they were about to open the gate, they were approached by the same trio now using the stolen Audi who had robbed the couple at gunpoint, taking their groceries, cellphones, and white VW Polo. The suspects then abandoned the Audi and fled in the stolen VW Polo.
Both incidents were immediately reported to the police, who launched a search for the stolen vehicles. Shortly thereafter, officers spotted the VW Polo on Phalo Street. While following the vehicle in an unmarked police car, the suspects were seen attempting to hijack a VW Polo TSI by forcing it off the road. When officers identified themselves, the suspects pointed firearms at them. Police returned fire, injuring Level. Jawa and the third suspect fled on foot. Jawa was arrested after jumping into a nearby yard. The third suspect collapsed in the street and was found with what appeared to be a firearm. He died from a gunshot wound sustained during the shootout. Both Jawa and Level were taken to the hospital for treatment and later arrested. Police recovered the stolen vehicles and property, which were returned to their rightful owners.
Senior State Advocate Velile Makasana submitted during the trial that the accused had acted in furtherance of a common purpose before, during, and after the commission of the crimes. Their defence’s claiming they did not know each other, was rejected as false. They were found together at the scenes and acted in coordination. Jawa claimed he had been at a tavern with friends, while Level said he was visiting a girlfriend he had met on Facebook. Both were arrested in possession of stolen items, including the victims’ wallets, and their explanations were deemed improbable and lacking credibility.
Level has two prior convictions. In 2016, he was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to 36 months of correctional supervision. In 2017 and in 2019, he was convicted of incest and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, with two years suspended. Jawa has no previous convictions. The matter has been postponed to 11 August 2025 for sentencing arguments, after the defence requested additional time to prepare.
Welcoming the conviction, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the SAPS and the prosecution team for their swift, coordinated response, which led to the recovery of the stolen property and the successful prosecution of the accused.
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
047 501 2630
Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za