Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Modimolle Regional Court has sentenced to between 15 and 25 years in jail two Zimbabweans and a South African following their conviction on three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and also violating immigration laws in South Africa.
Ayke Araminda (31) was jailed for 20 years effective while his fellow Zimbabwean, Zimba Majeza (30) was slapped with 25 years’ direct imprisonment and their South African accomplice Thabiso Seoketsa (39) was jailed for an effective 15 years.
The trio was arrested in 2023 in Limpopo province where they ran a syndicate that terrorised members of the Masakhane community by using firearms to rob residents of their cellular phones.
Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA-South Africa) Ms Mashudu Malabi confirmed the sentences on Tuesday.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed on the three accused persons who were convicted on three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and contravention of immigration laws,” she said.
“All three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the trial, the State led evidence from witnesses who testified that on 3 September 2023, the accused, acting as a syndicate, terrorised members of the Masakhane community by using firearms to rob residents of their cellular phones.
“The police were alerted to the incidents on the same evening and they swiftly apprehended the three men. At the time of their arrest, the accused were found in possession of the victims’ cellular phones”.
Ms Malabi said in aggravation of sentence, the State Prosecutor Mr Joseph Sibanda had submitted that the accused persons were not first-time offenders and that they had shown no remorse for their actions.
She said the State argued that they had terrorised the community, demonstrated a propensity for criminal conduct, and displayed a blatant disregard for the law.
The prosecution further submitted that a severe sentence was warranted to reflect the seriousness of the offences and to serve as a deterrent.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, stated that the economic costs of organised crime are significant, affecting both local and global economies,” said Ms Malabi.
“These costs encompass the direct impact of criminal activities, such as theft and fraud, as well as indirect costs resulting from increased law enforcement expenditures and lost economic opportunities in affected communities.
“Advocate Thenga further commended Prosecutor Sibanda, the South African Police Service, and all stakeholders involved for their commitment and professionalism in securing the successful prosecution and conviction of the accused”.
