50 years behind bars for monster who pointed gun at 4-year old

Johannesburg — A Zimbabwean national, Nxinxi Tshabalala (30), has been sentenced to 50 years in prison by the Booysens Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of a violent armed robbery, kidnapping, and multiple firearm offences.

The court found that on 25 October 2023, Tshabalala hijacked a victim at gunpoint and forced him to drive home, where he held the man’s wife and three children — aged 16, 12 and four — hostage inside their home.

“The court heard that when they arrived in the house, the complainant’s wife, 16-year old son, 12-year old son and and four-year old daughter were inside the house, then the accused demanded money from the family whilst pointing the gun at the four-year-old child,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.

“He was told there is no money. Four cellphones were then stolen. After the robbery, the complainant went to a nearby shop to track his stolen cellphone and the police assisted him.

“The tracking led the police to an address where the accused was found in possession of the stolen cellphones.”

Regional Court Prosecutor Licel Hlungwane urged the court to impose a stiff sentence, arguing that severe punishment was necessary to deter similar crimes. The defence pleaded for leniency, citing the accused’s personal circumstances, but the court sided with the prosecution.

Tshabalala received the following sentences:

• 20 years for robbery,

• 10 years for kidnapping,

• 15 years for possession of a firearm, and

• 5 years for possession of ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the outcome, with  Mjonondwane saying, “The NPA daily prosecutes hundreds of such matters that affect the safety and wellbeing of our communities and to ensure justice for victims of crime. Well done to the prosecutor, Licel Hlungwane.”

Tshabalala will serve an effective 50-year sentence with no indication of concurrent sentencing.