The Convicted Individuals
The four men convicted on Friday (July 10, 2026) are:
- Mthobisi Wonder Shozi
- Lebo Nhlakanipho Magwaza
- Brian Tyron Charles
- Sbonelo Sxolile Mkhuluisi (also referred to as Mkhulisi in some reports)
They were found guilty of multiple counts related to armed robberies at schools, where they posed as sponsors offering assistance to gain access before pulling firearms on staff.
Modus Operandi and Key Incidents
The gang used a consistent tactic: They presented themselves as benefactors or sponsors to enter school premises, then held teachers and staff at gunpoint. Victims were robbed of cellphones, forced to open banking apps for money transfers, and in some cases physically assaulted. Staff were sometimes cable-tied and locked in rooms.
Specific examples from the trial:
- February 2, 2023 — Nazareth Primary School: Magwaza forced the principal to attempt a bank transfer (only ~R100 available). He stole her wedding ring and wristwatch instead.
- February 8, 2023 — Edamini Primary School (near Shongweni Dam): Another armed robbery using the same method.
- February 20, 2023 — Tholulwazi Secondary School (Molweni): This was particularly violent. Shozi struck teacher Nhlanhla Mchunu three times in the face with a firearm, causing heavy bleeding, and fired a shot inside the school. Magwaza assaulted teacher Maureen Mtshali (temple) and teacher Mthunzi Gabela (back of the head). A pupil was forced at gunpoint to provide her cellphone number. Seven staff members were cable-tied and locked in a strongroom for 30–40 minutes.
The group used a grey Toyota Etios as a getaway vehicle, driven by Mkhuluisi. Police later found a fake number plate in the boot, which Mkhuluisi admitted was used during school visits. Charles attempted to flee through a window during arrest but was handed over by his father (a SAPS sergeant in Chatsworth).
A key breakthrough came when teacher Mthunzi Gabela recognized all four men at Pinecrest Mall in Pinetown later on February 20 and alerted police.
Court Proceedings and Judgment
Magistrate Muntukayise Khumalo delivered the judgment, praising the State’s case (led by prosecutor Rowan Souls) and the reliability of the witnesses. He rejected the accused’s alibi defenses as inconsistent with evidence. Shozi and Mkhuluisi did not testify; Magwaza and Charles did but were deemed unreliable. Magwaza’s girlfriend (defense witness) was described as mendacious.
The magistrate stated that the four were “sufficiently linked to these offences” and that witnesses were “impressive and… honest and reliable.”
Sentencing is expected early the following week (as of July 10–11, 2026). The men also face additional charges in Camperdown and Pietermaritzburg courts for similar school robberies using the sponsorship ruse. Shozi is already serving a sentence for unrelated robberies.
Broader Context
This case highlights vulnerabilities in South African schools, particularly in KZN, where under-resourced institutions can be soft targets for opportunistic or organized crime. The “sponsor” ruse exploits community needs for support and the general openness of school environments.
Armed robberies remain a significant issue in South Africa, contributing to broader crime statistics involving violence, firearms, and economic desperation. Successful prosecutions like this demonstrate effective police investigation, witness cooperation, and judicial processes, though challenges such as court backlogs, additional pending cases, and systemic crime factors persist.
The story underscores the human impact: Teachers and pupils facing trauma, physical injury, and disruption to education in already strained environments. It also raises questions about school security protocols, community vigilance, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation for repeat offenders.
