NORTHERN CAPE – A thorough investigation by Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation led to the conviction and sentence of Baatlhodi Mabale (29) who was handed 15 years direct imprisonment by Kathu Regional Court earlier today.
This follows after a his successful conviction on Tuesday, 7 March 2023 on charges of robbery with aggravated circumstances.
Mabale was arrested during November 2019 along with his co-accused by Kathu SAPS and Rhino Security officers shortly after they robbed employees from PEP store whilst on their way to deposit money at the bank and they were robbed an amount of R75 000 at Kathu mall.
The matter was then referred to Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further probe. The investigation by the team led to the conviction of both accused. Mabale and Lechoene remained in custody until their conviction.
On 20 October 2020, the main accused Kabelo Lechoene (31), was convicted and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition by the same court.