DUTYWA – Two men convicted of robbing a U-Bank branch in Dutywa of about R600 000 in 2022 have each been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison.

Dumisani Duma (38) and Makabongwe Mthongana Mkhize (37) were sentenced in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha after being convicted on multiple charges, including robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted murder.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the pair were also convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery and offences relating to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The charges stem from the robbery of the U-Bank branch in Dutywa on 3 November 2022, during which the two men were accompanied by their deceased accomplice, Lungile Jamiso.

Bank robbery ended in shootout

Tyali said the three men had conspired to rob the bank and armed themselves to overcome any resistance.

“On the day of the robbery, they entered the bank, threatened employees with firearms and stole approximately R600 000 in cash,” he said.

During their escape, the robbers used a bank employee as a human shield.

The trio then used the same firearms to hijack a vehicle after assaulting and threatening its owner.

Tyali said a pursuit involving police and members of the public followed, ending near the Beyela turn-off in the neighbouring Ngcobo district.

“During a shootout between the robbers and police officers, their accomplice, Lungile Jamiso, was fatally wounded,” he said.

Duma and Mkhize were arrested at the scene and the stolen money was recovered.

More than 15 witnesses testify

Despite what the NPA described as overwhelming evidence against them, both accused pleaded not guilty and offered what Tyali described as “bare denials”.

Senior State Advocate Mduduzi Mzila led the testimony of more than 15 witnesses, resulting in the pair being convicted on all counts.

Tyali said the court heard that both offenders were on parole for previous cash-in-transit robbery convictions when they committed the offences.

The court also considered Duma’s previous criminal conduct when imposing sentence.

According to Tyali, Duma had previously sustained serious injuries, including partial paralysis of an arm, during another robbery.

Court imposes 20-year sentences

The court remarked that despite those injuries, Duma remained undeterred from engaging in further violent criminal conduct.

The two men received sentences ranging from five to 15 years for the various offences.

While some of the sentences were ordered to run consecutively, the court imposed an effective sentence of 20 years’ direct imprisonment on each accused.

The NPA said the sentences demonstrated the justice system’s determination to hold violent offenders accountable.

It said the outcome also sent a strong message that organised and violent crime would be met with firm consequences.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to prosecuting violent offenders and will continue to pursue sentences that reflect the seriousness of offences, protect communities and uphold the interests of justice,” the NPA said.

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