TWO robbers involved in a home invasion in Virginia in 2020 have been sentenced to 38 years collectively.

Linda Mfeka and Smanga Sibisi were charged with attempted murder and armed robbery and were involved in a shootout with Marshall Security and Durban North SAPS officers hours after the robbery in the Bhambai area near Inanda.

The duo were found guilty and sentenced in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on September 30, 2022.

Mfeka was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for armed robbery as well as 10 years for three counts of attempted murder, while Sibisi was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for armed robbery as well as 10 years for three counts of attempted murder.

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According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, their sentences will run concurrently.

“The suspects held up a family of four in 2020 on Clinch Crescent, locked the family in a room and stole various items. One of the electronic items stolen was tracked to the Bhambai area, and as officers approached the suspects, a shootout ensued which led to the arrest of the robbers. The station commander, Jericho Sipho Nkomo commends Detective Constable Nhlaka Ngcobo for his sterling work in this case. This is a tremendous success for the station, and we are extremely proud of him,” Deokaran explained.

Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell echoed Deokaran’s sentiments.

“I would like to congratulate our members for the arrest, and Detective Constable Ngcobo for his endless dedication and hard work put into this case,” he said.