Doreen Mokgolo
It was a robbery committed for R100, but Godfrey Nhlapo and Tumi Tsotetsi are going to spend a long time in jail – one year in fact for every seven rand they stole.
The men, aged 19 and 20, have been found guilty and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Nigel Regional Court for aggravated robbery.
Nhlapo and Tsotetsi robbed a 14-year-old boy of R100 while he was on his way to buy bread in July in Bluegumview, Duduza.
They choked the victim from behind while one of them pulled out a knife on the boy’s three younger friends and ordered them to leave.
The victim’s parents reported the case to the local police and the duo were arrested.
Handing down his judgement, Magistrate Juan Du Preez Voogt said the sentence will send a strong message to the society against any form of brutality and protect the community from further harm.
“The court has a duty to ensure that a lesson is learned by the two in line with the pillars of justice,” he said.
Duduza police spokesperson Sergeant Harry Manaka said robberies with weapons used is a major concern in the area.
“These crimes are often committed by young people who rob others of their cellphones, money and other valuables even in broad daylight.
“We can’t afford to have a situation where children can’t play in the streets because they fear being robbed,” he said.
“We are hoping the sentencing will send a serious message to those who commit such crimes to know that the punishment will be severe.”
Manaka encouraged residents to report any form of criminal activity to the police.
