Tobacco vehicle hijackers sentenced to jail
KZN police bosses have welcomed the sentences handed down to four suspects convicted of hijacking vehicle transporting cigarettes in Durban four year ago.
According to the police -the driver of the British American Tobacco vehicle was ambushed by the suspects in Chatsworth and hijacked at gunpoint.
They then loaded the boxes into their car and fled.
Police spokesperson - Thulani Zwane says they searched for the suspects immediately.
"A search was initiated once police were informed of the incident where later a shootout ensued between police and the suspect in the Marianhill area", he said.
"All four were arrested and were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well the stolen tobacco", Zwane said.
Zwane says the Durban Regional Court sentenced the men to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery and five years for possession of stolen property.
One of the robbers was given a further 17-year sentence for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Meanwhile, 10 suspects who were arrested in Dundee after being found in possession of stolen British American Tobacco cigarettes this week - are due back in court soon.