Thomas Thabo Mayisa (32) was sentenced to an effective 15 years jail term following the foiled robbery which claimed the life of his 46-year-old friend in Leslie Extension 9 on 30 December 2021.
According to information, the Somali shop owner was with his brother at his business premises at around 11:40 when three suspects attempted to rob them of their hard earned cash.
It transpired through investigation that the trio were driving in a Renault Megane with Gauteng registration number plates.
Two of the robbers entered the business premises leaving the third accomplice in what is believed to be a gateway car.
The brother to the business owner was hit at the back with an object. Thereafter both victims were held hostage, one suspect was in possession of a firearm whilst another was holding a knife.
They demanded cash but the shop owner diverted the attention of Mayisa’s friend by pointing to him the direction where the money was kept. The friend got distracted and then looked where he was shown.
That was when the shop owner swiftly drew his firearm and shot him multiple times which led to his death.
The victim further turned the gun on Mayisa and shot him on the thigh but he somehow managed to get into the car then fled the scene with the driver, leaving behind their fellow as well as the firearm.
Further investigation shared some information about a patient in hospital with a gunshot wound.
Police proceeded and upon arrival in hospital, they discovered that the patient was in fact Mayisa, the robbery suspect whom they have been looking for. The accused was then arrested and charged accordingly.
The driver could not be found and Mayisa alleged at the time that he did not know him nor his whereabouts as they hired him for that mission.
After several court appearances, Mayisa pleaded guilty hence he was sentenced by the Evander Regional Court to 15 years imprisonment for business robbery aggravated on Thursday, 23 March 2023.
The management of SAPS in Mpumalanga welcomed the sentence and commended the team of investigators, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary for the excellent work done.
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