The Pretoria Regional Court has handed down 20-year prison terms to four convicted offenders linked to a series of armed robbery incidents, concluding a case that began with a high-speed pursuit in January 2024.
Russell Tanaka Sibanda (32), Terrance Dube (34), Brandon Maorera (24), and Alicia Sibanda (32) received their sentences on 21 April 2026 following a thorough investigation and successful prosecution.
The sequence of events leading to their arrest commenced on 09 January 2024 at approximately 08:40. Sergeant Mabena and Constable Mabona, attached to SAPS Pretoria Moot, responded to a call from Proshield Security Services regarding a green Suzuki Swift linked to an armed robbery in the Sinoville policing area. The vehicle, carrying one female and three male suspects, was the subject of an active lookout.
Police located the suspect vehicle near the intersection of 13th Avenue and Jacobs Street in Gezina, Pretoria, where the occupants were allegedly preparing to carry out another robbery. A pursuit followed under challenging weather conditions, with heavy rain creating hazardous driving surfaces.
The chase ended at the corner of Sisulu and Boom Street in Pretoria Central when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing a collision. All four suspects were taken into custody at the scene. Officers recovered a replica firearm and items suspected to be stolen from inside the vehicle.
Further inquiry established that all four individuals were Zimbabwean nationals residing in South Africa without legal documentation. They were formally charged with:
– Armed robbery
– Possession of a firearm
– Reckless and negligent driving
– Contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002
Warrant Officer Ngobeni of the Pretoria Moot Detective Branch led the investigation. During court appearances, prosecutors successfully opposed bail applications, and the court ordered the accused to remain in detention throughout the trial proceedings.
The case concluded on 21 April 2026 with the imposition of 20-year sentences for each of the four convicted individuals on the charges presented.
Major General Samuel Thine, Tshwane District Commissioner, commended the investigative diligence demonstrated by SAPS Pretoria Moot personnel. The successful outcome was attributed to Warrant Officer Ngobeni’s comprehensive evidence gathering, coordination with prosecution teams, and sustained case preparation. The timely intervention and professional conduct of Sergeant Mabena and Constable Mabona during the pursuit were also cited as instrumental in preventing further criminal activity and securing the suspects’ arrest.