The Western Cape High Court dismissed an appeal by two men convicted of robbing a couple at gunpoint during load shedding in January 2023. It ruled that the victims’ identification of their attackers was sufficiently reliable despite the darkness. Acting Judge P.
Njokweni, sitting with Judge N.E. Ralarala, delivered judgment on Monday, 8 December 2025, upholding the convictions of Tresline Florence and Justine Albertus handed down by the Wynberg Regional Court. The appellants had sought to overturn their convictions on the grounds that the identification evidence was insufficient and improperly obtained through dock identification.
The robbery occurred on the night of 22 January 2023, between 9pm and 10pm, when the victims, Jacobs and Sackim, left their home to buy milk and bread duringload shedding. The court heard that the couple used Sackim’s mobile phone flashlight as their only source of light. While walking, the couple noticed two men approaching and changed their route.
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However, Albertus approached with a gun prepared to fire, while Florence brandished a knife and searched the complainants. “The attackers referenced a rival gang, and one took Ms Sackim’s phone just as electricity returned and streetlights came on, causing the attackers to flee,” the judgment read. The couple informed their neighbour Faizel, who suggested they look for the suspects.
The next day, they encountered Florence and questioned him without revealing they recognised him. He denied involvement but led them to Albertus. When confronted, both men blamed each other and refused to disclose the phone’s location. Police arrested both men, and a knife fell from Florence’s pocket during the arrest.
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