THABA NCHU – Two Lesotho male nationals found guilty on charges of armed robbery at the Thaba Nchu Post Office received a minimum sentence of 11 years in prison each. The Thaba Nchu Regional Court handed down sentences to Teboho Mosiane (30) and Lehlohonolo Phillimon Masenyetse (36) on 26 February, following their conviction.
The sentencing was a result of the investigation by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit into the armed robbery which occurred in September 2020. The police managed to recover the money during the duo arrest shortly after committing the crime.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the court had found the accused guilty on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and contravention of the Immigration Act. She said both Mosiane and Masenyetse were in South Africa illegally and were subsequently sentenced to a fine of R1 000 or six months in prison, additional to 11 years prison sentence.
Matoti stated that incriminating evidence discovered during the arrest included cash amounting to R270 000 and three cellphones. She said members of the Hawks, together with Selosesha Visible Policing and the Tactical Response Team (TRT), traced and arrested the two robbers.
Employees at the post office were performing their daily duties when they were ambushed by three armed suspects.
“The suspects entered the premises, pointed a firearm at the manager, and demanded cash. The suspects instructed the manager to take them to the safe. Upon reaching it, they removed a bag containing cash and fled the scene. In the process, they also robbed three employees of their cellphones. Mosiane and Masenyetse were cornered and arrested later the same day,” said Matoti.
She said the court further ordered that both convicts be deported to Lesotho upon completion of their custodial sentences in South Africa.
