Two men who were on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions when they robbed a U-Bank branch in Dutywa have each been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison.
Dumisani Duma, 38, and Makabongwe Mthongana Mkhize, 37, were sentenced in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha after being convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of attempted murder, and offences relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the offences stem from the robbery of the U-Bank branch in Dutywa on November 3, 2022.
Tyali said the court heard that Duma and Mkhize, together with their late accomplice, Lungile Jamiso, had conspired to rob the bank and armed themselves with firearms.
The trio entered the bank, threatened employees and stole approximately R600,000 in cash.
During their getaway, they used a bank employee as a human shield before later hijacking a vehicle after assaulting and threatening its owner.
A pursuit involving police and members of the public followed, ending near the Beyele turn-off in the neighbouring Ngcobo district.
A shootout broke out between the robbers and police officers, during which Jamiso was fatally wounded.
Duma and Mkhize were arrested at the scene, while the stolen money was recovered.
Despite the evidence presented against them, Tyali said both men pleaded not guilty and offered bare denials.
Senior State Advocate Mduduzi Mzila led evidence from more than 15 witnesses, resulting in the pair being convicted on all the charges.
The court imposed individual sentences ranging from five to 15 years for the various offences. Some sentences were ordered to run concurrently, while others were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an effective 20-year sentence for each accused.
Court notes previous convictions
In aggravation of sentence, the court noted that both Duma and Mkhize were on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions when they committed the Dutywa offences.
The court also noted that Duma had previously suffered serious injuries, including partial paralysis of an arm, during another robbery.
Despite this, he continued to engage in violent criminal conduct, the court found.
The NPA welcomed the sentences, saying the outcome demonstrated the justice system’s determination to hold violent offenders accountable.
The NPA said the sentences should send a strong message that organised and violent crime would have serious consequences.
“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting violent offenders and will continue to pursue sentences that reflect the seriousness of offences, protect communities, and uphold the interests of justice,” the authority said.
