Lengthy jail terms for gang behind school robberies

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the effective sentences of 35 years’ direct imprisonment imposed by the Pinetown Regional Court on Mthobisi Shozi (21), Brian Tyrone Charles (25), Sbonelo Mkhulisi (24), and Lebohang Magwaza (24).

This follows their conviction on multiple counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and attempted robbery arising from a series of incidents committed at various schools in the greater Pinetown area in February 2023.

Regional spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said, “Evidence presented before the court revealed that the accused visited three schools under the pretext of intending to make donations. Once granted access to the school premises, they threatened staff members with firearms and robbed them of cellphones and laptops. In one incident, a pupil was also robbed. The accused fled the scene after committing the offences.”

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The incidents were reported to the police, who subsequently traced the vehicle used in the robberies, leading to the arrest of the accused. Several items stolen during the robberies were recovered from them.

During the trial, Prosecutor Rowen Bevin Souls led the evidence of the complainants, as well as that of the arresting officer. The state also relied on evidence from several identity parades during which the accused were positively identified by the complainants.

“In aggravation of sentence, the state handed in a victim impact statement (VIS) compiled by one of the school principals and facilitated by court preparation officer, Bonisile Mngoma. In the statement, the principal indicated that teachers, pupils, and support staff suffered significant trauma following the incidents and required counselling,” she added.

During sentencing, Shozi was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the 14 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts of kidnapping, and five years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of attempted robbery. Some of the sentences were ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 35 years’ direct imprisonment.

Charles was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the 15 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts of kidnapping, and five years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of attempted robbery.

With some sentences running concurrently, he will serve an effective sentence of 35 years’ direct imprisonment.

Mkhulisi was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the eight counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts of kidnapping, and five years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of attempted robbery. He will serve an effective sentence of 35 years’ direct imprisonment after portions of the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

Magwaza was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each of the nine counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts of kidnapping, and five years’ imprisonment on one count of attempted robbery.

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With some sentences running concurrently, he will serve an effective sentence of 35 years’ direct imprisonment.

“The NPA welcomes the sentences and hopes they will serve as a strong deterrent to like-minded offenders. Schools are vital institutions within our communities and must remain safe environments where teaching and learning can take place without fear, intimidation, or criminal interference,” concluded Ramkisson-Kara.