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19 years behind bars for Turnrite mall robbers

05 Sep 2025

Four men found guilty in the Turnrite Mall cash-in-transit robbery in 2021, have been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment.
 
The four are Mothusi Matomela, Thapelo Lekobe, Mzwandile Mazibuko and Ntholephi Elliot Ntshalintshali.
 
On the first count of robbery, Magistrate Goabaone Rammapudi-Lesedi of the Broadhurst Magistrate Court sentenced each to 16 years imprisonment, while on the second count of unlawful possession of a firearms, they were all fined P2,000 or 12 months in prison if they fail to pay by September 26.
 
For count three, unlawful possession of ammunition, they were fined P3,000 or 12 months imprisonment if they do not pay by the same period.
 
As for the fourth charge of illegal entry into the country, Mazibuko and Ntshalintshali were fined P3,000 or 18 months if they fail to pay. 
The quartet was also sentenced to three years imprisonment for goods stolen outside the country, which relates to the getaway car stolen from South Africa.
 
"The prison terms shall run consecutively and also consecutively to the remainder of any prison term that might currently exist in relation to the accused persons," Magistrate Rammapudi-Lesedi said. 
The sentences were further backdated to October 15, 2021, when they were incarcerated. ENDS

Source : BOPA

Author : Bonang Masolotate

Location : Gaborone

Event : Court case

Date : 05 Sep 2025