Soweto Serial Robber Jailed 10 Years for 19 Robbery Convictions
- A 52-year-old man received a 10-year direct imprisonment sentence after targeting victims across Soweto, including schoolchildren
- Steven Chiwangu faced 19 counts in total, covering both armed and common robbery across areas including Naledi and Jabulani
- A single detective's persistence was credited with bringing the case to conviction at the Protea Magistrate's Court
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GAUTENG — Steven Chiwangu, 52, has been sentenced to 10 years' direct imprisonment after the Protea Magistrate's Court convicted him on 19 robbery charges stemming from a spree of attacks across Soweto in 2025.
The court handed down the sentence on 28 August 2026. Chiwangu was found guilty on five counts of armed robbery and 14 counts of common robbery. As part of the ruling, the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Schoolchildren among the victims in Soweto
According to the SAPS report, the offences took place throughout May 2025, when Chiwangu targeted unsuspecting members of the public in the Naledi and Jabulani areas of Soweto. Among his victims were schoolchildren, whom he robbed of their cellphones.
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Detective Sergeant Lungile Quma of the South African Police Service led the investigation. Through his work, Chiwangu was traced and arrested on 21 May 2025, roughly three weeks after the robbery spree began.
Senior SAPS officials welcome the sentence
Johannesburg District Commissioner Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka welcomed the outcome and singled out Detective Sergeant Quma for recognition. She commended him for his "perseverance and commitment in ensuring that the accused was brought to justice."
The South African Police Service announced the conviction and sentencing through its Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng.
More on SA crime and justice
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Source: Briefly News
