Robber gets eight years for armed attack on bus

By TREVOR WAHUNE
THE National Court in Kimbe has sentenced a man to eight years for armed robbery.
Acting Judge Nicholas Miviri sentenced Rodney Wangi who with three others on June 23, 2016, took K500 from the crew of a bus and a cell phone from the bus driver valued at K299. The court was told that Wangi pointed a knife at the bus crew while his accomplices pointed a gun at the driver.
“The bus crew ran away and the prisoner chased him. The bus crew hit Wangi with an umbrella. This prompted youths from a nearby village to join in and assault Wangi,” Justice Miviri said.
“A village councilor stopped them assaulting Wangi and took him to the Buluma police station where he was arrested and charged for the crime.”
He said Wangi played a significant role in the robbery.
“They executed the robbery and put the lives of passengers at risk,” he said. Wangi pleaded and asked for leniency.
Justice Miviri suspended the sentence and ordered that Wangi be put on a four-year probation, remain at Busvussi Section Six, Block 1153 and not to leave the residence without the approval of the National Court, he performs 600 hours of community work, keeps the peace and be on good behavior at all times.
He also ordered Wangi to pay driver Philip Pira K300 and a reconciliation to be witnessed by a pastor and probation officer.
He said any breach to the probation order would result in Wangi being arrested to serve the full term of his sentence.