On Thursday 21 October 2021, two accused Onke Gqoko, (24) and Sibongile Phithikazi, (27) were sentenced by the Somerset West Regional court an effective 62 years imprisonment for two house robbery cases which were perpetrated in March and July 2018. Their modus operandi would being kicking open doors and threatening the victims with knives and pangas and demand money, cellular telephones and other belongings before they fled. Excellent investigation by Detective Sergeant Wynard Carelse and Detective Sergeant Marius Erasmus led to the arrest of the suspects who were brought before court.

In an unrelated matter the same members secured a 10 year sentence each handed down by the same court on 14 October 2021 for accused Phuthumani Mxhego (22) and Thulani Tokwana (26) for a business robbery which occurred in August 2021. The suspects were arrested in Asanda Village after they were pursued by police.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile lauded the investigating officers for their commitment and dedication to ensure a safer community.

Source: South African Police Service