NORTHERN CAPE – The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Management applauded Sergeant Richard Maekeco for his exceptional investigative work, which resulted in the imprisonment of Olebogeng Kabisa Akende. On Friday, 29 October 2021 the Kuruman Regional Court found Akende guilty and sentenced him to 12 years direct imprisonment on two charges; attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. During the court proceeding the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Richard Maekeco, attached to the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), revealed that the accused was in company of other two suspects when they robbed the driver of a white Volkswagen Polo of his vehicle at  gunpoint. The accused and his accomplices hitched hiked the driver of the VW Polo on 28 October 2020 on the Kuruman Main Road.

The driver pulled over and gave them a lift, along the way the three drew a firearm and knife and dropped off the driver and sped off with the vehicle. The driver reported the incident to the police in Kuruman. The police immediately dispatched a look out for the hijacked vehicle, with full description. The vehicle matching the description was spotted in the neighbourhood in Kuruman.

A high speed chase ensued and shots were exchanged between the police and the accused. Among the accused there was a female who was also an accomplice. Later during the investigation the other male accused was released as he could not be linked to the case.

Sergeant Richard successfully opposed bail against Akende and the female accused was released on bail.

However she absconded court attendance, subsequent to her release on bail. The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Management commended the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Department of Justice (DoJ) for ensuring that the accused is removed from the society.

Source: South African Police Service