The heavy sentencing of Cash-In-Transit robbers is viewed by the Provincial Head Major General Obed Ngwenya as being retributive justice served considering the horrific conduct by the perpetrators.
Sonwabo Gcuwa (39), Lusanda Ludziya (35), Nontuthuzelo Majola (37) and Sithembile Qhongoshani (35) were sentenced by Gqeberha High court on 7 September 2022, for three counts of attempted murder, one of robbery, possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The first two accused, Gcuwa and Ludziya were given 65 years sentence each, Majola was given 10 years direct imprisonment sentence for robbery whilst Qhongoshani was given 30 years direct imprisonment for robbery and three counts of attempted matter combined with no option of a fine.
On 2 May 2018, two Fidelity guards collected cash at Sasol Garage in Linton Grange, Gqeberha. They were pointed with firearms by three black males as they exited the shop. The suspects took the money boxes and a firearm of one of the guards and fled in white Toyota Quantum minibus.
A lookout was given for the vehicle used in the commission of crime and it was spotted and chased by Gqeberha K9 (Dog Unit) and Algoa Park South African Police Service (SAPS) members.
A shootout ensued at the corner of Ditchling and Chase drive in Algoa Park where one suspect Malibongwe Balojeni (27) was fatally wounded.
The firearm robbed from the guard was also recovered at the scene as well as another firearm lying next to the deceased. Two cellphones were seized as well.
An innocent bystander who was driving a passing truck also got shot in the buttocks and one police official from Algoa Park was hit in the leg.
The rest of the suspects escaped.
The Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with National Priority Violent Crime Task team embarked on Project Dynamics in order to hunt down the culprits. The intensive investigation led to the arrest of Gcuwa whose confession led to the arrest of Ludziya and Majola the security guard from Fidelity cash transporting company on 16 May 2018. Meanwhile Qhongoshani was arrested on 7 September 2018 through further investigation. All four were remanded in custody for the duration of the trial.
