THULANI Fana Cele (23), known also as ‘MA5’, was handed down a 51½-year prison sentence by the eSikhawini Regional Court.
Cele, together with other accomplices were responsible for several house and business robberies in the Gingindlovu area from March to August 2013.
He also escaped from police custody and on his re-arrest was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Cele was sentenced in connection with a house robbery at the home of an 82-year-old women during March 2013.
For two counts of common robbery he received six years for each count running concurrently.
He was also involved in a robbery at a salon during April 2013 and received another 15 years for each count also to run concurrently.
During May 2013 he committed aggravated robbery and was sentenced to another 15 years.
For the possession of unlicensed ammunition and a firearm he received six months and a further six years imprisonment respectively.
For escaping, an additional three years imprisonment was handed down on him as well as another six years imprisonment for a robbery in August 2013.
The eShowe Cluster Commander, Brig Marie Wilson, welcomed the sentencing and commended the members responsible for the investigation and determination to bring the accused to book.
