Toy gun robbers get jail and house arrest

A couple's visit to a grocery store for baby food ended with a toy gun being pointed at them in Bishop Lavis on the Cape Flats.

In the robbery last year, one of the two assailants kept urging the other to “shoot them”. The victims were unaware the gun was a toy and abandoned their shopping bag and other personal belongings, and fled for their lives.

Police on patrol were flagged down, and raided a nearby house where the two thugs were hiding.

The police recovered the stolen groceries and arrested Elroy Barron, 19, and his juvenile companion, who may not be named.

Yesterday both appeared in the Parow Regional Court before magistrate Constance Nziweni.

They were sentenced for aggravated armed robbery – Baron to 6 years in jail and the juvenile to 3 years' house arrest.

The magistrate warned the juvenile that he was now confined to his home in Bonteheuwel on the Cape Flats, 24/7, for the entire three years.

He was not allowed to leave his parental home, except to attend spiritual services or to perform daily community service, which was part of the house arrest.

She warned him that the prison authorities could monitor his home at any time of the day or night to ensure that he was there, and not abusing drugs or liquor.

The magistrate said: “The prison authorities need full, unfettered access to your home, at any time, so do not lock your gate, and keep your dogs way from them.

“Take this seriously or you will be brought before this court again.”