PARKTOWN - On Monday, 31 March 2022 the Benoni Regional Court sentenced 18-year-old Xolani Mabena to 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances with a weapon other than a firearm. Mabena was also declared unfit to possess a firearm as per Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Mabena attacked a young woman on the evening of Thursday, 30 September 2021 near her home in Emaphupheni, Etwatwa. The victim sustained a stab wound and her cellphone was taken before Mabena fled the scene.

Without wasting time a "manhunt" was launched by SAPS Etwatwa and a man fitting the victim's description of her attacker was shortly arrested. Mabena was positively identified by the victim as her attacker.

Constable Sanele Mthethwa meticulously investigated the case that led to a water-tight case against the accused in court.

The sentence was welcomed by the Acting Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Major General Girly Mbele. "Constable Mthethwa's work ethic is commendable as this case was resolved and finalised within a period of six months. Our members remain resolute in fighting the scourge of serious and violent crime against women, children and vulnerable persons," said Major General Mbele.

Source: South African Police Service