DETECTIVE work paid off when two convicted criminals were sentenced to more than 50 years in jail in total for criminal activities including attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police spokesman captain Namhla Mdleleni said Siviwe Mene and Zandise Melani were arrested following the armed robbery of a Chinese national near Whittlesea last year.
“The two men pointed at the man with firearms and robbed him of R100000. They were subsequently arrested in Mlungisi on the same day and R40000 was recovered.
“They appeared in the Komani High Court and were found guilty,” Mdleleni said.
She said Mene was sentenced to 20 years for armed robbery, 20 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and five years for attempted murder. Melani was also sentenced to 20 years for armed robbery and five years for attempted murder.
He was acquitted on the charge of possession of an unlicenced firearm.
Mene also faces other charges in Cape Town.
“When he was arrested he was wanted for escaping from police custody in Cape Town.
“He is facing charges of armed robbery, kidnapping and hijacking and attempted murder there.” Mdleleni said.
