Phoenix Plaza jewellery store robbers handed 13-year sentence
The National Prosecution Authority in KZN says it hopes the sentence handed down to a gang of jewellery robbers in Durban sends a strong message to other perpetrators.
The five men were handed a 13-year sentence for raiding Mayuri Jewellers in the Phoenix Plaza shopping centre five years ago.
The Verulam Magistrate's Court heard that they fled with over R2 million worth of jewellery, as well as the belongings of employees.
Provincial spokesperson for the NPA Natasha Kara says they were spotted by an off-duty policeman who managed to arrest them.
"In sentencing them, the court took into consideration that they had been in custody since their arrest and thus deviated from the minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment."
READ: Court hears Andile 'Bobo' Mbuthu murder suspects were tortured
"Each of them were sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for robbing the store; and six years imprisonment for each of the two counts of robbery where they robbed the employees. The court ruled that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in the effective 13 years imprisonment.
“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the finalisation of this matter. Business robberies are impacting on the economy and we hope this successful prosecution has a deterrent effect."
Siyanda Mthethwa (30), Siyanda Blose (35), Philani Ngwane (27), Mbongeni Mlotshwa (26) and Siboniso Ndlovu (24) were convicted and sentenced on three counts of robbery.
