Court slaps hefty sentences on five kidnapping and armed robbery accused

Port Elizabeth: Five criminals arrested in February 2021 for truck hijacking, murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Kleinskool were finally sentenced in the Gqeberha magistrate court on 26 June 2023.

On 9 February 2021 at about 12:30 a detective officer from the then NMB Detective Trio task team was in Bethelsdorp when he witnessed in his rear-view mirror a truck being hijacked and that the driver of the truck was forced out the vehicle and two suspects got in. At the same time, an innocent bystander who was also a worker at a scrap metal business was fatally shot. The detective officer immediately turned his vehicle around and chased after the truck who had also made a U-turn. The truck was being followed by a Suzuki vehicle with three occupants inside.

Shots were fired at the pursuing police vehicle. Gqeberha K9 unit, SAPS Kwazakele Vispol Task Team members (who were on their way to work also responded), Flying Squad and Public Order Policing provided backup. The hijacked truck and the suspects’ vehicle were blocked off and the five suspects arrested. Two firearms were also recovered.

The accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

On 26 July 2023, Luzuko Mdwayi (32); Cawe Mboneli Humphrey (41) and Bari Vuyisa were found guilty of aggravated robbery and kidnapping. They will serve a total of 15 years in prison. The accused Zukisani Potelwa (46) was sentenced to an effective 23 years for aggravated robbery, possession of firearm and ammunition and kidnapping while Mawethu Singqoto (32) was sentenced to a total of 20 years for aggravated robbery and kidnapping.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the conviction and sentencing and iterated that the sterling efforts and excellent synergy between the various units on that day resulted in the sentencing.’ This marks a significant victory for justice and the tireless efforts of our members who worked diligently to ensure that these perpetrators account for their heinous actions. The crimes committed by accused were not only a threat to public safety but also challenge to the fabric of our communities. Through meticulous investigations and the support of our partners in the criminal justice system, these criminals will be behind bars for a long time.’ added Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service