A 39-year-old Eersterust tsotsi has been sentenced to 30 years’ direct imprisonment by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 15 July 2026 after he was convicted of robbing two e-hailing drivers at gunpoint in separate incidents in Pretoria.
NPA Pretoria Spokesperson Tshegofatso Makhudu said Kamar Davids was sentenced by the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The first robbery took place on the evening of 14 November 2023 after Davids and an accomplice requested an e-hailing service in Eersterust.
When the driver arrived, the pair entered the vehicle, pointed a firearm at him, assaulted him and robbed him of his belongings before fleeing the scene.
Two days later, Davids and the same accomplice allegedly requested another e-hailing service in Eersterust.
After the second driver arrived, the pair entered the vehicle and violently attacked him, striking him with a firearm and holding a knife to his throat while robbing him of his belongings.
Police officers who were patrolling the area approached the vehicle during the robbery, prompting the suspects to flee on foot.
Davids was apprehended and arrested, while his accomplice managed to escape.
He has remained behind bars since his arrest after the National Prosecuting Authority successfully opposed his bail application.
During the trial, Davids pleaded not guilty and denied committing the offences.
State prosecutor Marsche Louw led evidence, including testimony from both victims, which the court found proved Davids’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In mitigation of sentence, Davids, through his legal representative, asked the court not to impose the prescribed minimum sentences, citing his age and the fact that he has five dependent children.
The State opposed the request, arguing that Davids had shown no remorse for his crimes and had violated the victims’ constitutional rights to safety and security.
Louw further submitted that violent crimes targeting e-hailing drivers had become increasingly common, making it difficult for them to earn a living safely.
She told the court the victims were fortunate to have escaped with only minor injuries and argued that society expected the courts to send a strong message that such crimes would not be tolerated.
She also argued that an appropriate sentence would serve as a deterrent to Davids and other would-be offenders.
In handing down sentence, the magistrate agreed with the State’s submissions and found that Davids had shown no remorse for his actions.
The court also noted the growing number of robberies targeting e-hailing drivers and said the victims had simply been trying to earn an honest living when they were attacked.
The magistrate further found that Davids and his accomplice had not only threatened the victims but had physically assaulted them, violating their rights to safety and security.
The court ruled that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences.
The National Prosecuting Authority said it remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators of violent crime are brought before the courts and held accountable for their actions.
