KEY POINTS
- A court sentenced five armed robbers to a total of 150 years.
- Police chase led to arrests and recovery of stolen money.
- Authorities say the sentences send a strong message against crime.
The South Gauteng High Court sentenced five men responsible for a brazen cash-in-transit robbery in Boksburg to a combined 150 years in prison.
The robbery happened in May 2018, when three G4S security vehicles carrying large amounts of cash were ambushed on Atlas Road by armed robbers wielding fully automatic firearms.
Moreover, the attackers used explosives to force open the armored vehicles, stealing money bags and firearms from the security personnel.
Law enforcement and private security firms engaged in a dramatic chase. This action led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of stolen money and weapons.
Harsh sentences for the convicted robbers
The court found the convicted robbers—Paul Sibanda, 56, Thato Gaopatwe, 33, Thabo Ponatshego Molefe, 43, Sibusiso Zakhe Khumalo, 43, Collen Zwelakhe Hadebe, 49, and Thapelo Arnold Nchabeleng, 35—guilty of multiple charges.
These include armed robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and explosives, and causing explosions.
However, each received lengthy sentences:
- Sibanda – 36 years
- Gaopatwe – 38 years
- Molefe – 40 years
- Khumalo – 38 years
- Nchabeleng – 38 years
According to IOL, Hadebe, one of the suspects, is still awaiting trial and is scheduled to appear in court on March 7, 2025.
Authorities praise the investigation
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha praised the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, describing the case as meticulously investigated.
“The prosecution built a strong case, showcasing the sophisticated methods used in the robbery and ensuring that those responsible faced justice,” Ramovha said.
The court decisions also serve to warn unauthorized criminal organizations that conduct cash-in-transit heists.
