A South African National Defence Force rifleman, who was stationed in Upington, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for robbery and the illegal possession of a semi-automatic firearm.
A SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) rifleman, who was stationed in Upington, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for robbery and possession of a semi-automatic firearm.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the accused, Siphelo Mzamane, 28, was convicted in the Springbok Regional Court, sitting in Garies.
Senokoatsane explained that the incident took place on March 17, 2019, when the three accused – Mzamane and the two Apols brothers, Nkosinathi and Nkosikhona – were travelling from Cape Town to Upington along the N7 national road.
“Along the way, they picked up two hitch-hikers, Justin Wildschut and Jandrè Cupido, and offered them a ride to Springbok. During the trip, the accused supplied alcohol to the two hitch-hikers,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that Mzamane later threatened Cupido with a firearm. “Wildschut was forced out of the vehicle and robbed of his phone and over R1,000 in cash, while Cupido was also robbed of his belongings, including clothes and tools. Both victims were then told to flee, after which the accused drove off.”
Senokoatsane said the victims managed to flag down a passing police vehicle and reported the matter.
“The police pursued the accused and eventually arrested them after a dramatic chase that included attempts to shoot out the vehicle’s tyres. The firearm used in the crime was later found hidden under rocks along the N14, with its serial number filed off.”
He said that during the trial, the regional court prosecutor, Basil Kock, presented forensic evidence linking the firearm to the magazine found in the accused’s vehicle.
“The court found that the defence failed to present substantial and compelling circumstances that would justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences for the charges of robbery and possession of an illegal firearm,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that Mzamane was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for each count of robbery, an additional five years for possession of ammunition, and 15 years for possession of a semi-automatic firearm.
“His sentences on the robbery and ammunition charges will run concurrently, with 10 years of the sentence for the firearm possession also running concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year prison term.”
Senokoatsane added that one of the co-accused, Nkosikhona Apols, 36, was sentenced to 15 years of direct imprisonment after being found guilty of two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“The court acquitted Nkosinathi Apols of all charges after it found that he was unaware of the robbery and had co-operated fully with the police.”
Senokoatsane reiterated the NPA’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and maintaining the safety and security of South African communities.
