NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the sentence that was handed down by the Amersfoort Regional Court today, to Mthombo Aaron Mbuli, aged 36. The accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for business robbery which was carried out at Amersfoort in the early hours of 18 August 2021.

On the said day the accused, who was armed at the time is said to have perpetrated a robbery at a local shop in Ezamokuhle. When the shop owner heard some strange noise on the roof, he quickly alerted an off duty police officer who lives nearby. The member immediately responded while calling for backup from his colleagues. 

On their arrival, they noticed the accused (Mbuli) who attempted to flee however, when his attempts failed, he then shot at the police and in turn the members defended themselves and returned fire. Mbuli, who was found with a pistol as well as ammunition in his possession, sustained some injuries during the shooting. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment, he was also charged accordingly. As soon as he was discharged from hospital he was taken to court where he was convicted hence he was sentenced for a count of house breaking with intent to rob as well as for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Thorough investigation conducted by members of the police at Amersfoort, Mbuli was given a well-deserved punishment while he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further applauded the member for responding to the call of duty though he was not at work. The General further appreciated the collaborative effort showcased by the Investigation Team, the Prosecution Team and the Judiciary. “We are encouraged by the sentence handed down by the court and we hope that it will somehow restore public confidence on our justice system whilst sending a strong message to criminals that crime does not pay,” commented the General.

Source: South African Police Service