By REGINALD KANYANE
23 October 2025- The Vryburg Regional Court has sentenced Osvaldo Julia Cumbane (32), a Mozambican national, to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit an offence, murder, attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, two counts of pointing a firearm, and possession of ammunition.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court heard that on 2 May 2022, Cumbane left Welkom in the Free State, where he was residing, and travelled with a group of men to Ganyesa in the North West. Gunya said upon their arrival, they conspired to commit a robbery.
“The police investigations led by the Warrant Officer Calvin Koope from the Mahikeng Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Hawks), revealed that on 4 May 2022, the group proceeded to Tlaakgameng Trading Store to execute their plan to rob a Fidelity Security Services cash-in-transit vehicle.
“When the vehicle arrived at the store, the robbers ambushed the guards. During the robbery, gunfire was exchanged, and one of the security officers, Lebogang Leager Kakgola, was shot. He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Following intensive investigations, Cumbane was arrested on 15 January 2024,” he said.
Gunya said he was denied bail and remained in custody throughout the trial. He said during proceedings, Cumbane pleaded guilty to all charges in terms of a plea and sentence agreement with the state.
“Advocate Ayanda Mzamo told the court that the accused was driven by greed when he planned to rob the cash-in-transit vehicle, an act that resulted in the senseless loss of an innocent life performing his duties. The court sentenced Cumbane seven years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit an offence, 25 years’ imprisonment for murder, 7 years imprisonment for attempted murder and 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“He was also sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of pointing a firearm and 7 years imprisonment for possession of ammunition. In accordance with Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, some sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25 year term of imprisonment,” said Gunya.
Welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended both the prosecution and the investigative teams for their diligence and dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
The Guardian 