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The Lusikisiki Regional Court has sentenced Cash-In-Transit (CIT) heist suspect, Ntsindiso Lovers Mjikwa (43) to 15 years direct imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition on October 23, 2024.
Mjikwa was arrested on April 7, 2021 in Lusikisiki by the CIT task team after being linked to a CIT heist committed on 10 November 2020 at Bethel Location, Maloti.
“Upon his arrest he was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm Norinco pistol and ammunition,” Captain Yolisa Mgolodela of Hawks said.
Following his arrest, Mjikwa appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate Court for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and was remanded in custody to reappear on 22 April 2021.
“On 22 April 2021 Mjikwa re-appeared before Lusikisiki Magistrate’s court where the case was struck off the roll pending ballistic report. Mjikwa thus walked away,” Captain Mgolodela revealed.
Mgolodela stated that during Mjikwa’s arrest, the Maloti CIT heist case was still under investigation. When it unfolded, he was traced for 6 months and re-arrested on 30 October 2021 in possession of an AK47 and 30 rounds of ammunition.
“On 22 October 2024, Mjikwa was acquitted on the count of possession of an AK47 but was found guilty as charged on the count of the 9mm Norinco Pistol and its ammunition,” said Captain Mgolodela.
On 23 October 2024 the court sentenced Mjikwa to 15 years for possession of unlicensed firearm (pistol) and 5 years for possession of unlicensed ammunition. Both sentences run concurrently, he is expected to serve 15 years direct imprisonment.
The Maloti CIT heist case is in court.
The Provincial Head of Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya welcomed the sentencing while anticipating positive outcomes for the CIT heist case on trial.
