MAKHADO – The Makhado Regional Court sentenced Johannes Mulaudzi (28) of Matoks to 16 years imprisonment, for stealing a safe with six firearms, two hi-fi sets, a television set, clothes, a refrigerator and a Mitsubishi Canter at a farm in the Bandelierkop area on April 16, 2003.

The court found that Mulaudzi went to Roos Farm, where he found three farm workers. He threatened them with a firearm, tied them up with wire and kept them in the bathroom.

According to Sgt PJ Netshivhumbe, Mulaudzi stole a safe with six fire-arms, two hi-fi sets, one television, clothes and a refrigerator, and loaded the items onto the Mitsubishi Canter, belonging to Mr Jansen Roos.

Netshivhumbe said the vehicle was found abandoned at Matoks later during the day, and Mulaudzi was arrested on October 18 at Dendron. The police recovered the safe in the Letchachane River at Matoks, with four fire-arms buried nearby in the ground.

Netshivhumbe confirmed that two missing pistols have not yet been found.

During the incident, Mr Roos (56), was in Gauteng. "As members of the SAPS in Bandelierkop, we appreciate the support that we are receiving from community stakeholders. As such, we still urge them to continue helping us to arrest all offenders," he said.