On Monday, 23 August 2021, Fernando George Chilamba (20) and Jeralo Anthony Nkomo (31) were sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for armed robbery, 4 years imprisonment for house breaking intent to rob and robbery, 7 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 7 years’ imprisonment for possession of firearm and ammunition and 2 years imprisonment for illegal immigration act.

Dercio Comassio Muchanga (34) was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for house breaking intend to rob and robbery, 7 years imprisonment for attempted murder and 2 years for illegal immigration Act. Tino Fochero (20) and Santos Zungisa (20) were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for illegal immigration Act by Harrismith Regional Court.

On 24 November 2020 at about 12:30, a 63 old woman was alone at her Karkloof farm, Verkykerskop area and she saw the three accused approaching her house. The accused tried to break in and she gave a warning that she will shoot them, then one accused fired a shot at the window. The woman immediately phoned the neighbours and the suspects fled the scene. The other two suspects held two workers hostage, assaulted and stole their cellphones.

Later that day about 17:00, the police and farmers teamed in search of the suspects and they were arrested.

The case docket was investigated by Detective Warrant Officer Eliazer Mohotsi and Johannes Engelebrecht from Smithfield Organized Crime Unit.

Source: South African Police Service