The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has hailed the lengthy prison sentences handed down to Stanford Manoko Diagoane (40) who was responsible for a cash-in transit heist almost four years ago.
On Friday 24 July 2020, the North Gauteng High Court, found Diagoane guilty on 15 charges including double murder of two security personnel, robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
On the 7 July 2018, the Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence and the Limpopo Tracking Team arrested Diagoane for possession of two assault rifles found at a house in Soshanguve.
The rifles were linked to a cash-in transit robbery that took place near Marikana village on Soutpan Road.
The armoured cash vehicle was accosted by the accused wherein the two security personnel were fatally wounded.
The suspects used explosives to destroy the safe of the cash van and they fled with R641 000.
Further investigation by the joint team, led to the arrest of Lizzy Lekgotoane (68), Quomane Letshoa (41) and Jabulani Mmamadi (36) in Soshanguve. The three were also charged for the murder and weapons discovery.
Letshoa and Mmamadi were later granted bail however three months after their release, they were killed in two separate incidents.
Letshoa was poisoned and Mmamadi was shot and killed days before they were to appear in court for the same case.
Diagoane and Lekgotoane went through a series of court appearances until Thursday whereupon Lekgotoane was found not guilty and discharged while Diagoane was found guilty as charged.
On Friday Diagoane was handed down two life sentences for double murder and a further 130 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravated circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, endangering lives or property, conspiracy to commit robbery and declared unfit to possess firearms.
The Hawks has welcomed the collaborative endeavours with Crime Intelligence that has enabled the conviction of Diagoane.
There are very comprehensive set of initiatives countrywide to target the illegal proliferation of firearms and serious crimes. All necessary steps will be taken to apprehend those who are supplying weapons and all dangerous groups that are bringing fear to communities.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
