THREE accused were sentenced to combined 35 years by Itsoseng Regional Court on Thursday. Tshepiso Ngakantsi, 25, Selly Mashala, 42 and Isaac Lekwala, 33 were arrested after a business robbery committed in September 2014.

North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the accused robbed a shop in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng.

“It was reported that the accused tied the victim and ransacked his shop. They fled the scene with a getaway car after taking cigarettes, grocery and an undisclosed amount of cash. The car was abandoned after being involved in an accident. Two of the accused were arrested through assistance of the community.

“They were charged for robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunitions as well as an accessory after the fact.

Upon sentencing the accused, the court declared Ngakantsi and Mashala unfit to possess firearms in terms of Section 103 (g) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000),” Moleko said.

She said Ngakantsi was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances while Mashala was sentenced 15 years and two years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

“The sentences handed to Mashala, who was a parolee at the time of arrest, will run concurrently.  Lekwala was sentenced to six years imprisonment for an accessory after the fact,” she said.

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Joyce Molale welcomed the conviction of the three accused.  She said that the police in the province will continue to send a stern message that offenders will harshly be dealt with.

-TDN

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