The Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, has praised the exceptional investigative work and dedication of members attached to SAPS Pretoria Moot following the successful conviction and sentencing of four armed robbery accused.
On 09 January 2024 at approximately 08:40, Sergeant Mabena and Constable Mabona responded to a request for assistance from members of Proshield Security Services after a lookout was circulated for a green Suzuki Swift occupied by one female and three male suspects allegedly involved in an armed robbery in the Sinoville policing precinct.
The suspect’s vehicle was spotted near the corner of 13th Avenue and Jacobs Street in Gezina, Pretoria, where the suspects were allegedly attempting to commit another robbery. A high-speed pursuit ensued under dangerous weather conditions, as heavy rainfall had caused the roads to become extremely wet and hazardous.
Sergeant Mabena and Constable Mabona joined the pursuit and continued to act with courage and professionalism despite the challenging conditions.
At the corner of Sisulu and Boom Street in Pretoria Central, the driver of the suspected vehicle lost control, resulting in a collision.
All four suspects, consisting of one female and three males, were successfully apprehended at the scene.
During the arrest, police recovered and seized a replica firearm as well as suspected stolen property found inside the vehicle.
Further investigations revealed that all four suspects were Zimbabwean foreign nationals who are illegal immigrants.
The suspects were subsequently detained and charged with the following offences,
Armed Robbery, Possession of a Firearm, Reckless and Negligent Driving, and Contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.
Warrant Officer Ngobeni, attached to the Pretoria Moot Detective Branch, was appointed as the investigating officer in the matter.
The accused appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court, where bail was successfully opposed, and the court ordered that they remain in custody for the duration of the trial.
On 21 April 2026, the matter was finalised, and all four accused, namely:
- Russell Tanaka Sibanda (32)
- Terrance Dube (34)
- Brandon Maorera (24)
- Alicia Sibanda (32)
were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on the charges brought before the court.
The successful prosecution and sentencing of the accused can be attributed to the meticulous and thorough investigation conducted by Warrant Officer Ngobeni. He dedicated countless hours to gathering evidence, following up on investigative leads, consulting extensively with the prosecution team, and ensuring that a strong case was presented before court, ultimately leading to the successful conviction of the perpetrators.
The vigilance, bravery, and swift response displayed by Sergeant Mabena and Constable Mabona also played a critical role in the successful arrest of the suspects and the prevention of further criminal activities.
Major General Samuel Thine commended Warrant Officer Ngobeni for his unwavering commitment, professionalism, and dedication to justice throughout the investigation.
He further praised the investigating officer for his attention to detail, perseverance, and exemplary work ethic, which ensured that dangerous criminals were removed from society and held accountable for their actions.
Major General Thine also acknowledged the excellent teamwork displayed between the SAPS members and private security role players, emphasising that such collaboration remains vital in the fight against violent crime within the Tshwane District.
