KWAZULU NATAL – A convicted armed robber, Sphelele Philani Buthelezi (25) appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Monday, 14 June 2021 for sentencing on a charge of armed robbery.
Buthelezi was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
His sentencing originates from an incident which took place on Monday, 08 June 2020, where the victim was sleeping inside his shop in Incwadi location, Boston area. The victim was woken up by the sound of people breaking into his shop.
It was reported that the unknown suspects fired a single shot inside the shop after gaining entry with force. They took various items to the value of R10 000-00 and fled the scene.
On Friday, 10 July 2020 members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation Pietermaritzburg received information on a suspect in possession of unlicensed firearm. An operation was conducted which led to the arrest of Buthelezi.
Further investigation by the Hawks’ of Serious Organised Crime Investigation team positively linked him to the business robbery.
Source: South African Police Service