Youth admits to robbing woman, awaits sentencing
ALEXANDRA – Youth awaits sentencing for robbing a woman of her bag, cellphone and money.
Siyabonga Mbatha, a 20-year-old Alex youth, admitted to robbery and possession of an illegal firearm in Alexandra Magistrates’ Court.
Mbatha said he used the illegal firearm to rob a woman on the evening of 14 April on 16th Avenue.
The accused, together with two accomplices was said to have met the victim and her female friend on the street at about 8pm. He then produced a gun and threatened the women before stealing her handbag which contained a cellphone and R400. The three suspects then ran away but patrolling police arrived at the scene immediately after the incident and the victim pointed out the three suspects who were still in close proximity.
The police apprehended Mbatha while his accomplices escaped. He was searched and a firearm with its serial number filed off was found. A cellphone battery belonging to the victim’s phone was also found on the suspect. The cellphone, money and handbag were not recovered.
Mbatha was remanded in custody and is awaiting sentencing on a later date.
