SAPS Chatsworth Serious and Violent Crimes Unit skilled investigators remain committed to incarcerating hardened criminals who commit violent crimes against the people of Chatsworth. On 25 February 2022, Durban Regional Court sentenced Sibosiso Ntloizi Biyela (20) to 15 years imprisonment on two counts of armed robbery. This violent criminal armed with a firearm pounced on an unsuspecting teacher at a local school in Welbedacht West on 3 June 2021. The teacher was deprived of her cellular phone and tablet before the suspect fled from the scene. Committing his second act of violence, Biyela accosted a family during the late hours of 10 June 2021 where he ransacked a home at gunpoint. Biyela fled with household items and cellular phones.
Chatsworth Serious and Violent Crimes Detective Sergeant TG Khanyile was assigned to investigate these armed robberies. Working relentlessly, Detective Sergeant Khanyile engaged his informer network which led police to conduct a suspect raid in the vicinity of Welbedacht West. Arresting Biyela on 18 June 2021 allowed detectives to seize cellular phones taken in the armed robberies. After seizing these exhibits, the school teacher positively identified the tablet which belonged to her. On 20 March 2021, Detective Sergeant Khanyile successfully opposed bail citing Biyela as a flight risk. Chatsworth Magistrates’ Court then remanded Biyela to the Westville Prison. With walls closing in on the investigation, Biyela appeared at the Durban Magistrates’ Court where he confessed to committing both armed robberies. The Magistrate found Biyela guilty on two counts of armed robbery receiving a sentence of 15 years each however the sentence will run concurrently.
The Station Commander of Chatsworth Police Station Brigadier Ruth De Villiers commends Detective Sergeant Khanyile for the sterling investigation conducted which ensured that the accused was incarcerated. As the Station Commander it brings me great joy in knowing that Detective Sergeant Khanyile has served with integrity, placing emphasis on seeking justice for victims of crime. I am pleased with the sentences meted out by Department of Justice towards ensuring that hardened criminals face the full might of the law. From the onset, uniformed personnel, investigators as well as the prosecutors played a pivotal part in ensuring that Biyela was removed from society and placed behind bars. As members of the service, we have a constitutional mandate placed upon police officers to ensure that criminals are arrested which will serve as a form of justice to victims of crime. The South African Police Service is doing everything in their power to fight violent acts committed against society.
Source: South African Police Service