FIVE LIFE TERMS PLUS 116 YEARS FOR CASH-IN-TRANSIT ROBBERS

LIMPOPO, POLOKWANE: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences of five life terms plus an additional 116 years’ imprisonment imposed by the Polokwane High Court on four men convicted of a string of serious offences arising from a cash-in-transit robbery.

The accused are Victor Mhlanga (31) and David Frimino Matola (55), both Mozambican nationals; Solomon Moyo (31), a Zimbabwean national; and Blessing Masilela (36) from Tembisa.

The four were convicted of multiple offences, including two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five counts of murder, attempted murder, two counts of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, two counts of possession of prohibited firearms, possession of explosives, malicious damage to property, and possession of suspected stolen property. The first three accused were also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act. The court ordered that some of the sentences run concurrently and declared the accused unfit to possess firearms. The accused had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the trial, the court heard that on 20 September 2023, the accused attacked a G4S security vehicle transporting money from Mpumalanga to Tzaneen via the Klaserie Road. Armed with firearms and explosives, they opened fire on the G4S vehicle and its escort vehicle. Mokgetsi Jim Teffo was killed during the attack.

The cash-in-transit vehicle was forced to stop, after which explosives were used to gain access to it. More than R600 000 in cash was stolen, together with firearms belonging to G4S officials.

While fleeing the scene, there was an exchange of gunfire involving the accused and civilians on the road, which resulted in the deaths of four other suspects: David Chabalala, Rhine Legoabe, Jabu Rumpell Fakude and Prince Lucky Makamu. The accused were subsequently arrested at different locations.

In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Norman Makhubele submitted that cash-in-transit robberies were prevalent in Limpopo and that incidents had decreased following the arrest of the accused. The State further argued that the personal circumstances of the accused did not constitute substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a deviation from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment. The court was also informed of the devastating impact of the crime on the family of the deceased, including three children who were left without their father.

Welcoming the sentences, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, said: “The heavy sentences imposed by the court reflect the seriousness of cash-in-transit robberies and their devastating impact on communities, economic activity, and public safety. The loss of life in this matter underscores the serious consequences of these crimes.

“These sentences send a strong message that those who commit violent and organised crimes will be prosecuted vigorously. We commend the prosecution team and our law-enforcement partners for their work in ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.” The DPP further commended Advocate Makhubele and all stakeholders involved in the successful prosecution of the matter.

The NPA remains committed to pursuing those who commit serious and organised crime without fear, favour, or prejudice and to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through effective prosecutions.

Issued by:

Mashudu Malabi

Regional Spokesperson: Limpopo Division