Mthozami Mtsewu (35) has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for a violent robbery that left a family traumatised, including their 18-month-old child who witnessed the entire attack.
On 21 September 2023, Mtsewu approached a man in Peddie town, offering R300 to transport cement. The man agreed and travelled with his girlfriend and their toddler. Mtsewu and his accomplice led them to a remote area in Crossman Village.
There, they pulled a gun, tied the couple’s hands and feet, and fired two shots to intimidate them. The robbers fled with the family’s Nissan bakkie, three phones, R1,200 cash, and personal items. The toddler, unharmed, later brought a broken bottle to help his parents cut themselves free.
Police used a tracker to locate the vehicle in East London and arrested Mtsewu within two hours. His accomplice was caught later but died by suicide in custody.
In court, the victims gave emotional testimony about ongoing trauma and fear. The judge rejected Mtsewu’s denial and noted a prior conviction for stock theft. He was also declared unfit to own a firearm.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo welcomed the sentence, calling it a strong message against violent crime.
The NPA praised the work of the prosecutor, SAPS, and court support teams who helped secure the conviction.
