The Gqeberha Regional Court sentenced Sinako Magi (33) on November 9, for charges of bank robbery after he was apprehended by the National Priority Violent Crime team of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks on October 24, where he appeared in the Gqeberha New Law court on the same day.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, on November 22, 2021, two men entered the Absa Bank branch at Govan Mbeki Street in Central, Gqeberha where they pretended to be clients.
“One of the suspects approached the teller and handed over a note on a paper forcefully instructing the teller to hand over the cash in her drawer to avoid injuries or death.
The teller complied with the instruction and handed over more than R27 000 that was in her drawer,” said Mgolodela.
She said that both suspects left the bank after receiving the money.
Mgolodela said that investigations ensued after the matter was reported to the Hawks hence the arrest of Magi on October 24.
She further said that Magi is reported to be serving a 15-year sentence in a Western Cape prison for a similar matter.
Mgolodela said that his co-accused is still at large and being sought by police.
“The case was expedited and finalised with the sentencing of Magi on November 9.
Magi has been slammed with another 15 years direct imprisonment sentence with no option of a fine,” said Mgolodela.
The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Ngwenya lauded the investigating team and the expeditious way the Department of Justice dealt with the case.
