Robbers held victim at gunpoint and drained his bank account – one sentenced to 10 years

Johannesburg – A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for money laundering after R61,000 was transferred from a robbery victim’s bank account during an armed attack in Springs, Gauteng.

In a statement on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the incident occurred in September 2025 when a 41-year-old man parked his vehicle outside a shop in Dalfoche, Springs.

Police said the victim was confronted by two armed suspects as he got out of his vehicle.

“As he alighted from his vehicle, two suspects approached him at gunpoint and ordered him back into his vehicle,” SAPS said.

The suspects allegedly stole the victim’s cellphones before forcing him to reveal his cellphone password.

“They accessed his banking app and transferred an amount of R61,000.00 into another bank account,” the statement said.

Following an investigation led by Sergeant Raymond Mogashoa, one of the suspects, Thabiso Sniper Makeke (24), was arrested and charged in connection with the crime.

Police said Makeke appeared in court, where he was convicted and sentenced.

“The suspect appeared before court and was subsequently sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment,” SAPS said.

The police welcomed the sentence, saying it reflected the success of the investigation.

“The successful investigation and convictions demonstrate the commitment of the South African Police Service to ensuring that perpetrators of serious and financially motivated crimes are brought to justice,” the statement said.

The second suspect has not been mentioned, and SAPS did not indicate whether further arrests are expected.