Man who stole truck during KZN riots sentenced to five years in prison
The Durban Regional Court has sentenced 31-year-old Nhlanhla Samkelo Mthembu to 5 years of direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to motor vehicle theft during last year's riots in KZN.
Mthembu admitted to stealing a Toyota Hino truck, valued at approximately R350 000 from business premises in Mobeni.
NPA Regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says Mthembu was arrested while in the truck, thanks to the vehicle being traced through its tracking device.
She says in his plea statement, Mthembu said that he and his friend had come across the persons who had originally taken the vehicle, from the premises and they were having difficulties driving the vehicle.
He and his friend assisted them, and drove the truck, heading towards the Esikhawini area to avoid detection.
When they got to Esikhawini, the other occupants jumped off the truck and fled, leaving him in the truck.
Regional Court Prosecutor Vishalan Moodley, told the court that the offence was serious, particularly since it took place during the looting period, where there was a general sense of lawlessness.
