KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Regional Court last week sent a strong message to robbers after sentencing a 27-year-old Rheenendal man to 15 years in prison for housebreaking and robbery, as well as five years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Nigel Smith was sentenced for an incident that happened in the early hours of 29 September 2018 in Rheenendal.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, Smith entered the bungalow of a 33-year-old victim and pressed the physically challenged man down on the bed.
"He stuffed a pillow over the face of the victim in an attempt to suffocate him, but did not succeed. Smith then took a cellphone as well as cash before he fled the scene on foot," said Spies.
A thorough investigation by the members attached to the Knysna detectives and Tsitsikamma K9 unit later led to the arrest of the accused.
"The cellphone was also recovered. Smith was found guilty on charges of housebreaking and robbery. He was also found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and was sentenced to 15 years and five years imprisonment respectively, which will run concurrently," he said.
He said their commitment to protect the most vulnerable such as those with special needs and disability yielded positive results when a hefty sentence was imposed on Smith.
"This harsh sentence should act as deterrent to other potential robbers who target vulnerable persons, especially those who are in no position to defend themselves. Western Cape provincial management has commended the investigators for their dedication and vigilance which led to the arrest and subsequent conviction," Spies said.
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