Trio Sentenced to 47 Years for Sasolburg Store Robbery and Shootout

Three men involved in a violent robbery at a store in Sasolburg, Free State, have been sentenced to a combined total of 47 years in prison. The High Court’s ruling holds Sibusiso Blessing Mbele (38), Jeremiah Tshabela (32), and Aron Mandla Radebe (45) accountable for their crimes committed on December 5, 2019.

The court handed down 18 years for murder, 16 years for attempted murder, and 13 years for robbery, reflecting the gravity of the crimes committed by the trio. The incident involved a dramatic shootout between the suspects and the police, during which one suspect was killed, a police officer was injured, and the robbers inflicted further violence.

According to Sergeant Josephine Rani, the Sasolburg police were alerted to the robbery by an activated alarm at the supermarket. Upon arrival, the police engaged in a fierce gunfight with the suspects. One suspect was fatally wounded in the exchange, while Mbele, Tshabela, and Radebe were eventually apprehended. Another suspect initially managed to flee in a white Mercedes Benz, which was later found abandoned.

The following day, the escaping suspect attempted to mislead authorities by reporting a hijacking at the Vanderbijlpark police station, claiming his vehicle had been stolen. However, discrepancies in his story led the Vanderbijlpark police to contact their Sasolburg counterparts, who subsequently arrested him.

Sergeant Chrissie Van der Linde played a crucial role in the investigation, ensuring that all three men were thoroughly linked to the robbery and violence. The meticulous work of Van der Linde and her team was instrumental in securing the convictions and the substantial prison sentences handed down.

The case underscores the determination of law enforcement in pursuing justice and highlights the severe consequences of violent criminal acts. The sentences reflect the serious nature of the crimes and serve as a warning against such violent offenses.