Musawakhe Malembe (39) was sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment and declared unfit to possess a firearm in the Rustenburg Regional Court on 15 January 2020, for Business robbery.
In 2014, Malembe and two others robbed a cellphone store at Boitekong Mall after threatening the employees and customers at gunpoint subsequently locking them inside the office. The trio proceeded to steal new cellphones worth R123 000 and immediately left the store.
Police were alerted about the incident by one of the customers and arrived at the mall minutes later. Upon their arrival, they spotted a suspicious vehicle and followed it.
The accused started shooting at the police and eventually ran on foot in different directions. A chase ensued and two of the accused were arrested whilst two firearms were also recovered.
They were each released on R10 000 bail and Malembe made a series of court appearances until ultimately being found guilty of business robbery.
Meanwhile Sipho Mahlangu (39) absconded and a warrant for his arrest has since been issued.
Anyone with Information regarding the whereabouts of the accused as per the attached picture should kindly contact the Investigating Officer Captain Mlungisi Ndlovu at 071 481 2867 or Crime Stop 08600 10111.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
