ATM bombers jailed for 22 years each

Johannesburg - Three ATM bombers were each sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Madadeni, said on Thursday.

"Yesterday, 17 September 2014, three accused were convicted and sentenced by the Madadeni [KwaZulu-Natal] High Court for use of explosives, possession of explosives, house breaking and malicious damage to property," said police spokesperson Thulani Zwane.

Gcinaphi Mnguni, 27, Maqhawe Nzimande and Sakhiwe Khumalo, both 38, committed these crimes during 2010 and 2011 at the Umzinto, Ixopo, Highflats and Ingwavuma areas.

Five co-accused who are not yet convicted were still facing the same charges.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, welcomed the heavy sentences handed down.

"We hope that the sentence will serve as a warning to other criminals who think of committing such crimes," she said.