Justice Delivered After Orchestrated Attack on Family Home
In a powerful stand against organised crime, the Regional Court in Springbok has sentenced three robbers to 20 years’ imprisonment for a violent house robbery that took place in Port Nolloth, Northern Cape, on 7 December 2022. The convicted criminals—Rorisang Jack, Best Cumbuia, and Mokone Motsoane—were part of a seven-man gang that launched a meticulously-planned home invasion targeting Paulo Bernardo and his family.
How the Robbery Unfolded
The robbers executed their plan in two stages. Paulo Bernardo was ambushed outside his home and forcibly taken into a nearby office at gunpoint. Simultaneously, three intruders broke into the house, confronting his elderly mother and young son. Under extreme duress, the son was coerced into transferring R125 000 to a bank account linked to one of the suspects. The gang eventually fled with an estimated R325 000 in valuables, including cash, electronics, foreign currency, and keys. Before escaping, they tied up all three victims.
Swift Police Response Leads to Arrests
Thanks to the alertness of Bernardo’s wife and a routine SAPS patrol near Springbok, a breakthrough came swiftly. A minibus taxi carrying the suspects was stopped, leading to the recovery of firearms, stolen electronics, and 12 uncut diamonds. Two suspects were arrested on the spot, and a third was apprehended shortly after.
Convictions and Sentencing
All three accused were convicted on multiple charges:
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
- Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition
- Possession of stolen property
- Immigration Act violation (in the case of Best Cumbuia)
In total, sentences for each accused included:
- 15 years for robbery
- 15 years for firearm possession
- 5 years for ammunition possession
- Additional years for possession of diamonds and immigration violations
These sentences will run partially concurrently, resulting in each man serving an effective 20 years behind bars.
Court’s Message: Homes Must Be Safe Spaces
In delivering the sentence, the court stressed the serious trauma inflicted upon the victims and reiterated the importance of protecting the sanctity of the home. The prosecution, led by Basil Kock, firmly opposed leniency, citing the aggravated nature of the crime.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Robbers
While justice was served in this case, prevention is the best defence. Here are practical ways to protect your home and loved ones from robbers:
1. Install Advanced Security Systems
Invest in a smart home security system that includes motion sensors, surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and remote monitoring.
2. Strengthen Entry Points
Reinforce doors with security gates and burglar-proof windows. Install deadbolt locks and ensure all entries are well-lit.
3. Never Open the Door to Strangers
Robbers often use deception. Be cautious about letting unknown individuals into your home, even if they appear official.
4. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Make sure all family members, including children, know how to quickly contact the police and trusted neighbours in case of an emergency.
5. Secure Valuables
Avoid keeping large sums of cash or valuables at home. Use a safe or a safety deposit box at a bank.
6. Vary Your Routine
Robbers often monitor routines before striking. Change up your schedule and be unpredictable to avoid becoming an easy target.
7. Form or Join a Neighbourhood Watch
Community vigilance is powerful. Stay informed and communicate with neighbours to alert each other about suspicious activity.
8. Limit Social Media Sharing
Avoid broadcasting travel plans or expensive purchases online. Robbers often use social media to select targets.
9. Train Your Family
Conduct safety drills. Ensure everyone knows how to act during a break-in, including hiding, staying silent, and avoiding confrontation.
Be vigilant, stay informed, and take proactive steps to secure your home.
ways to deal with robbers
Conclusion: Robbers Face Consequences, but Prevention is Key
The 20-year sentences handed down in the Port Nolloth case send a strong message to robbers across South Africa: violent crime will not be tolerated. However, the responsibility of safeguarding one’s home also lies with individuals and communities.
Let this case serve not only as a cautionary tale but also as a call to action. Be vigilant, stay informed, and take proactive steps to secure your home.
What is Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977?
Section 280 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 allows a court in South Africa to determine whether multiple sentences imposed on a convicted person should run concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after another).
In cases involving multiple convictions, such as robbery, possession of firearms, and other serious offences, the court may order that certain sentences run concurrently to avoid excessive cumulative imprisonment, while still reflecting the seriousness of the crimes.
In the Port Nolloth case, this section was applied to ensure that while each of the robbers received several sentences, they would serve an effective 20 years in prison instead of a much longer total sentence if all were served consecutively.
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