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An alleged serial bank robber has been slapped with a 15-year prison sentence for a robbery in Gqeberha.
Sinako Magi, 33, took a plea deal with the state on Thursday, admitting to the role he played in a robbery at an ABSA branch in North End two years ago.
Magi was only arrested for the robbery last month when police made a breakthrough in their case.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Luxolo Tyali says Magi and a friend approached a bank teller, handed her a note, and asked her to empty the cash drawer.
He says they told the teller she would be killed if she did not comply.
Tyali says Magi, however, minimised his role and said he was only the "lookout" while his friend, whom he only referred to as Sibusiso, was the one who had written the note.
On the day of the robbery on 22nd November 2021, the teller handed them R27 000 which they shared, spending some of the money at nearby taverns.
Magi, who is from Khayelitsha Township in Cape Town, was arrested in the Western Cape last year where he appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court on similar charges.
He is alleged to have used a similar modus operandi by just walking into Banks demanding cash.
Magi was charged with armed robbery at Standard Bank and Absa Banks in Bellville, Gugulethu, Elsiesriver, Keinvlei and Kuils River.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo commended the prosecutor and the investigating team for ensuring that justice is seen to be done, more especially in Gqeberha, where crimes against commercial and economic organs are rife.
