adminPlaxcedes Hove Court Reporter
THREE armed robbers who were released from prison last month after they had fully served their sentence, were back in court yesterday after committing another robbery.Foster Mancane, 29, one of the suspects, told court that life behind bars was better than outside. His co-accused are Bekumuzi Mlotshwa, 24, and Langton Moyo, 30.
They appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Themba Chimiso facing a charge of robbery.
Prosecuting Whatmore Tembo said the trio was released from prison last month and committed the same offence that got them jailed.
“These robbers were in prison serving their sentences and were released last month. They committed another crime the week they were released for them to go back to prison,” he said.
The court heard that on April 30 around 8PM the trio robbed Lindani Ngwenya, a vendor, of his groceries whose value was not specified.
They also took his $7 while threatening him with a knife.
Ngwenya told the court that he earns his living through vending.
“I had worked for seven dollars that day and it was stolen by the accused. They threatened me with a knife. I managed to get away but my goods were taken,” he said.
Mancane blamed evil spirits for the crime.
“I was possessed by evil spirits when I committed the crime and I wanted to start my own vending stall. Life outside is tough and prison life is better,” he said.
Chimiso remanded them in custody and the case continues on June 2.
derick.khumalo