Bank robbers sentenced to 20 years after Dutywa robbery.

Two men convicted over a 2022 bank robbery in Dutywa have each been sentenced to an effective 20 years in prison.

The National Prosecuting Authority said Dumisani Duma, 38, and Makabongwe Mthongana Mkhize, 37, were sentenced by the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha.

The case relates to the robbery of a U-Bank branch in Dutywa on 3 November 2022.

According to the NPA, the pair and an accomplice entered the bank armed with firearms and stole about R600 000. During their escape, a bank employee was used as a human shield.

The group later hijacked a vehicle before being pursued by police. A shootout followed near the Beyele turn-off in the Ngcobo district, where their accomplice, Lungile Jamiso, was fatally wounded.

Duma and Mkhize were arrested at the scene and the stolen money was recovered.

They were convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and firearm-related offences.

The court imposed various sentences, resulting in an effective 20 years’ direct imprisonment for each man.

The NPA welcomed the sentence and said it reflected the seriousness of violent and organised crime.