By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
SIX men were sentenced to handed hefty sentences by the Vryburg Regional Court following a foiled armed robbery. Kagiso Jeremiah Mothibe (33), Benny Mooketsi (37), Khulekile Brian Maphati (38), Thabo Mokone (39), and Tshepo Charles Modise (49) were arrested on 26 July 2018 by Vryburg Public Order Policing (POP) after a tip-off regarding a planned armed robbery.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The accused were all found inside a BMW with a false registration number. The vehicle was parked opposite Capitec and Absa banks in Vryburg. Following a search of their vehicle, ammunition and firearms with obliterated serial numbers consisting of a Remington 9mm pistol, an Arcus pistol, a Glock pistol, a CZ 75 pistol, and an LR rifle were found.
“The firearms and the vehicle were seized for further investigation. The Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mahikeng took over the investigation.”
Rikhotso said further probing into the incident revealed that the vehicle that the accused persons were driving had been reported stolen in Mondeo in June 2018. She said one of the accused was allegedly also linked to another incident of hijacking.
“During the first appearance, the bail was successfully opposed and all accused were remanded in custody until they were ultimately convicted. Maphati was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice.
“Other four accused were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for possession of firearms, eight years imprisonment for possession of the stolen property, 10 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition, and five years imprisonment for defeating the end of justice,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the police for arresting the accused. Mbotho said this sentence will surely send a strong message to criminals.
The sentences will run concurrently.
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