The appellant, Oupa Stanley Maphanga, was charged together with a co-accused in the regional court, Benoni, on four counts, including robbery with aggravating circumstances relating to the hijacking of the complainant’s motor vehicle. The complainant testified that the robbery occurred when he arrived home and was confronted by two men, one of whom pointed a firearm at him and drove off with his vehicle. The complainant later identified the appellant at an identification parade. The appellant was convicted on two counts and sentenced to an effective term of 25 years’ imprisonment. His applications for leave to appeal to the regional court and petition to the High Court were dismissed. His application for special leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal was also dismissed. He then sought reconsideration under s 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act, contending that he had an alibi because he was allegedly incarcerated on the date reflected in the charge sheet.