House robbery suspect sentenced to 25 years imprisonment – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-11-12 08:14:49

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

Justice was served in the Gqeberha High Court today following the 25 year sentencing of Luthando Tana (30) for a house robbery committed in May 2020 in Rowallan Park.

On Saturday, 9 May 2020, between 10:30 and 11:30, an elderly couple was robbed in their Rowallan Park home. At the time, the unknown suspect entered through the unlocked back door of their house in Maasdorp Street. He confronted Mrs Martha Snyman (83) in the passage in the house.  In the altercation, Mrs Snyman’s head was pushed against the wall and she fell.

The suspect then went to the lounge where he confronted Mr David Snyman (76). Two cellphones, cash, jewellery and other household items were taken. While Mr Snyman sustained slight injuries to his head, his wife succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

On Thursday, 14 May 2020, SAPS Kabega Park members, Nelson Mandela Bay District Detective Trio Task team and the K9 unit members searched several houses in the Kuyga area where most of the stolen items were recovered. Among the recovered items were Mrs Snyman’s diamond ring, 2 cellphones, a DVD player, watch and a jacket. The stolen goods had already been sold. The suspect was also arrested on that same day.

Today, 11 November 2021, Tana was sentenced as follows: 

Housebreaking with the intent to Rob: 5 years

Robbery: 20 years

Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm:  8 years

Culpable Homicide: 10 years.

The housebreaking and the assault GBH sentencing will run concurrent with the robbery sentence and half of the culpable homicide sentence will run concurrent with the robbery sentence. Hence, he will serve a total of 25 years in prison. 

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso welcomed the sentencing and commended the investigating officer for securing such a lengthy sentence. ‘An innocent life was lost as a result of the greedy intentions of the accused. Criminal attacks perpetrated against the elderly is serious and justice has been served as the accused has been sent to prison for a long time,’ added Brig Kupiso. 

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