Zainul Dawood|Published
A forensic investigator told the Durban Regional Court that businesses suffered a total loss of R8.1 million as a direct result of multiple business robberies at chain stores between 2017 and 2019 in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ten men, dubbed the “Man G Gang”, faced 20 counts of armed robbery and appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Friday. They were found guilty and sentenced on charges of business robberies that occurred in Durban Central, Estcourt (2019), Pinetown (2018), Tongaat (2018), and KwaDukuza (2018).
Crime a national pastime
Rajen Nagesar, a former detective with the Provincial Organised Crime, had told the court that a group of 10 to 15 men had been robbing various stores of cash, jewellery and cellphones. In court papers, Nagesar dubbed the gang the “Man G Gang”. He said that as the investigating officer he linked the men to the crimes by identification parade, fingerprints and video footage.
"The robberies were carried out in a brazen manner," he said.
In court papers, Nagesar said one of the men had also been linked to a similar offence committed in Cape Town.
“Robbery with aggravating circumstances is now very prevalent in society, and the magistrates at regional courts have commented that this crime appears to be a national pastime in the country, and society needs to be protected from the aggressors; keeping them in custody will ensure public safety and restore the public's confidence,” Nagesar told the court.
Accused jail terms
The men found guilty of the robberies were, Thabiso Mdletshe, Philani Magongo, Wanda Mcwabe, Michael Nxumalo, Khanyisani Thusi, Lindani Ndlovu, Thokozani Mdlalose, Sandile Ngcobo, Sabelo Shandu, and Andile Mchunu were sentenced on Friday. The men received the following prison terms:
- Mdletshe: 20 counts of armed robbery, 41 years' direct imprisonment
- Magongo: 1 count of armed robbery, 15 years' imprisonment
- Mcwabe: 9 counts of armed robbery, 31 years' direct imprisonment
- Nxumalo: 5 counts of armed robbery, 24 years' direct imprisonment
- Thusi: 4 counts of armed robbery, 18 years' direct imprisonment
- Ndlovu: 1 count of armed robbery, 18 years' direct imprisonment
- Mdlalose: 6 counts of armed robbery, 30 years' direct imprisonment
- Ngcobo: 3 counts of armed robbery, 21 years' direct imprisonment
- Shandu: 3 counts of armed robbery, 25 years' direct imprisonment
- Mchunu: 5 counts of armed robbery, 27 years' direct imprisonment
Forensic Investigator testifies
Matthew Gounden, a forensic investigator at The Foschini Group (TFG), told the court during trial that the businesses suffered a total loss of R8.1 million as a direct result of the syndicate's actions. Gounden said the business incurred high additional costs to upgrade CCTV systems and deploy additional security guards across stores to prevent further incidents.
“Staff members were injured during the robberies and remain severely traumatised. Several employees have since left the business due to the trauma experienced. The accused have shown no remorse for their actions throughout the proceedings,” he said.
Gounden said the business suffered a considerable loss of income due to operational disruptions and store closures linked to the robberies. He said victim support and counseling were given to staff.
One of the men was also found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Most of the charges were read with common purpose. Some of the men were brought to court by Department of Correctional Services staff because they had been imprisoned for other robbery matters outside of Durban. These details were not revealed in court during sentencing.
Stores robbed
According to the charge sheet the men robbed American Swiss Jewellers in November 2017; Sportscene Durban in November 2017; Jet Stores in December 2017; Clicks in West Street in February 2018; Markham in August 2018; Exact-KwaDukuza in November 2018; Total Sports in KwaDukuza in July 2018; Exact Store in West Street in April 2018; and the Fix-City View Mall in March 2019.
Prosecutor Surekha Marimuthu is expected to continue addressing the court regarding sentencing on Wednesday.
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