Two men who robbed SABC journalists on camera last year were sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The duo pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravated circumstances two months ago.
Zimbabwean nationals, Alfred Ndlovu and Clement Ncube‚ robbed the SABC crew, including contributing editor Vuyo Mvoko, with a toy gun on 10 March, 2015, outside Milpark Hospital shortly before a 7pm live news crossing.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Phindi Louw, on Tuesday said: “They will begin their sentences immediately. There was overwhelming evidence against these two and that is why they had pleaded guilty.”
The men stole the SABC crew’s valuables, including laptops and cellphones, before fleeing.
Two other accused‚ Pascal Manuel Junior and Motin Mortin‚ pleaded not guilty in March.
SABC journalist Criselda Lewis tweeted her delight over the sentencing.
“I almost feel sorry for them but think how I almost threw myself off the bridge to escape. Society doesn’t deserve that rot.”