THE Palm Ridge High Court in Mpumalanga has sentenced John Mokhele to 81 years imprisonment.
Mokhele was convicted of murder, armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm.
HAWKS spokesperson in Mpumalanga Lucy Sekgotodi said Mokele and 11 other suspects in 2010, stormed into three business premises in Kinross and robbed them.
Mokele and his accomplices, stole firearms, cash and jewellery.
She said, six suspects were fatally wounded on the scene during shootout between the suspects and the police.
The other six managed to escape, however, they were later traced and five suspects were arrested.
Lekgotodi said one of the suspect died during the trial and another suspect never returned to the court after bail.
Three of Mokhele’s accomplices, Mphumelelo Biyana (40), Sifiso Mbhele (44), and Mandla Phanyeko (43) were each sentence to 60 years imprisonment.
She also appealed to the members of the public to assist with information which can lead to the arrest of the other suspect, Siphiwe Mbonani who is still at large.
