Polokwane: The Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) has successfully secured a twelve-year imprisonment sentence against a 46-year-old man, Lesley Kau Ramphisa, as handed down by the Groblersdal Regional Court on Thursday, 07 November 2024.

According to South African Police Service, the court proceedings revealed that on 13 July 2017, the accused and an accomplice hitchhiked a ride with the victim, who was traveling alone from Middleburg to Dennilton Tambo Square. Upon reaching Dennilton Thabakhubedu, Ramphisa brandished a firearm, coercing the victim to vacate the driver’s seat and relocate to the back of the vehicle, while his accomplice took control of the driving.

The victim, armed with his personal firearm, fired shots towards the driver, resulting in a loss of control and subsequent collision with a bridge. Seizing the opportunity, the victim exited the vehicle, while the suspects fled the scene. The incident was promptly reported to the police, leading to an investigation.

Law enforceme
nt traced and apprehended Ramphisa at a hospital, although his accomplice managed to evade capture and remains at large. The police charged the accused with robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the case was allocated to Warrant Officer Lucky Mathibe of the VCIU in Polokwane for further investigation.

Thanks to the thorough investigative work conducted by Officer Mathibe, Ramphisa received a direct sentence of twelve years for his involvement in the crime. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating officer and all involved for their relentless efforts that culminated in the successful conviction of the suspect.