/ 25 June 2009

Nine found guilty of R46m FNB robbery

Nine men were on Wednesday convicted by the high court in Johannesburg for robbing the FNB depot in Selby of R46-million in February 2006, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported.

They were found guilty of robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Presiding Judge Zukiswa Tshiqi said the state had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

During the trial, the court heard that CCTV footage, fingerprints and witness evidence from the staff had held up in court.

Tshiqi said the state witnesses were credible.

The accused are Elias Gabriel Thutse, Fabian Damons, Daniel Makhuthusa Mathaba, Dick Mathatswane Ngobeni, Jimmy Geanett Bilankulu, Samson Muntu Mahlangu, Sibali Vincent Xaba, Themba Maxwell Mahlangu and Simon Mncwango.

Their sentences would be delivered on Thursday. — Sapa