Four armed robbers were sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment each after their failed robbery attempt at a fast-food restaurant.
The foursome were sentenced by prosecutor Muhammad Mxolisi Noyi at the Bellville Regional Court on Monday after their failed robbery attempt during 2015.
Luthando Mjabeka, 24, Yonela Mhlanganiso, 26, Anathi Nombuthuma, 33, and Thembinkosi Zumani, 29, were convicted on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed semi-automatic firearm and possession of ammunition.
They robbed a McDonald's restaurant in Durbanville and were arrested on the scene with R12 500.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the organisation welcomed the successful prosecution.
Noyi said because of the prevalence of armed robberies and the impact of such crimes on the victims, the courts had to send a strong message to the community and other would-be robbers, hence the lengthy direct imprisonment sentence.
During the trial at the Bellville Regional Court, the State called 11 witnesses, while the accused denied involvement – despite being arrested with the loot.
“Through preparation, research and argument, the State managed to secure a conviction in all counts despite the fact that the evidence in relation to count 2 and 3 was pointing to accused four only.
"I managed to convince the court to convict all four because of the principle of joint possession,” Noyi said.
“I argued for a sentence and stressed that there were no reasons/circumstances persuading the court from deviating from the minimum sentence as prescribed in Act 105/97 (case law cited in support of my argument).
"I argued for the sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offence, its prevalence, the impact on the victims and the message to be sent to society,” said the prosecutor.
Noyi added that he asked the court to give the accused a lengthy imprisonment term, which will serve as a deterrent to them and other like-minded people.
The court also declared them all unfit to possess a firearm.