A 32 year old armed robbery suspect will spend the next 12 years behind bars after he was sentenced in the Port Elizabeth regional court on Wednesday, 24 April 2019. On 24 November 2017 at about 21:30, the Debonairs and Steers fast food outlet in Cape Road were robbed by 3 men (2 armed with firearms).
Cash, cellphones and a customer’s wallet was taken. The suspects escaped in a VW Polo. Immediately after the robbery, the getaway vehicle was circulated on all police channels. Members of the Tactical Response Team spotted the vehicle in Mission Road in Kuyga.
A chase ensued and the suspects fired at police who retaliated by firing back. The VW Polo crashed and two suspects managed to run away while two were arrested. The stolen money, cellphones, wallet and two 9mm pistols were recovered. Serial numbers of the firearms were filed off. The VW Polo belonged to one of the suspect’s uncle.
Phumlani Jokozela (32) from Kwazakhele and Xolisa Mzongwana (35) from Kwadwesi remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On Wednesday, 24 April 2019, Jokozela was sentenced to 12 years each for Business Robbery (x2) and armed robbery. The sentences will run concurrently. Effectively he will serve 12 years in prison. Mzongwana was acquitted on all charges.
Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General Thembisile Patekile congratulated the investigating officer, D/Sgt Peter Classen of the Mount Road Detective Trio Task Team for ensuring that these suspects remained behind bars until their case was finalised. “A successful prosecution requires thorough investigation by our detectives in order to ensure that criminals are apprehended and harsh sentences are handed down on them by the courts,” added Maj Gen Patekile.
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