One of the three suspects who pulled off a robbery at the Simon's Town naval base last year has been sentenced to a total of 43 years behind bars.
22-year-old, Duncan Gouvias will however only sit for an effective six years as his sentences will run concurrently.
He was arrested with two accomplices by the Hawks last August.
The trio stole an assortment of weapons which included assault rifles and hand grenade as well as other military equipment.
Hawks spokesperson, Lloyd Ramovha, said Gouvias pleaded guilty last week.
He said his accomplices, Dilian Sewkumar and Karabo Ramokgopa, are expected to plead when they appear in the Wynberg Regional Court next month.
Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Khoza praised the investigation team for the excellent work in making sure that the accused is brought to book.
"We hope this serves as a lesson to youngsters out there. The moment the accused allegedly targeted a Naval Base, which is a National Key Point, is the moment they cooked their own goose. It cannot be business as usual when young people with the whole future ahead of them get involved in such senseless acts" she said.
