A few myths here.
The train driver died, in all probability as a result of injuries received during the robbery. He died more than a year and a day after the incident, therefore no prosecution for murder could be considered. All involved were, and would be now considered to be involved in joint enterprise and equally liable. As they would be for any other offence where there was a clear common purpose.
In terms of sentence, it was not out of proportion for the time, so there is no comparison to be made, in any case you cannot compare sentences for different offences using a subjective and personal scale of 'seriousness', it simply does not work.
But staying with the length of sentence, it's more a case of that one not being too harsh, more those for theft of an equivalent amount now being too lenient. There's very little deterrent effect in probation and community whatever orders.
The real point here is Biggs turned himself into a folk hero as a way of making a living while in Brazil, he was in fact a nasty peace of work, just like all the others involved. Good radiance!
As regards to MRAF Harris, what a load of tripe! The second world war was total war, not an Iraq or Afghanistan. All populations of both sides were involved in support and production and therefore legitimate as targets. In exactly the same way as they would be if the same thing happened now. To use him as a comparison isn't in the least bit valid.
Same with Madela. He was a terrorist, like it or not, and I accept that he did a great deal after his release to unite SA. However, terrorism has never achieved anything apart from prolong everyone's suffering and entrench positions. Did his acts lead to other peoples deaths. I understand they did yes. But again, it's an invalid comparison, what he did only has one mitigation, and that was it wasn't for his personal gain and profit. Biggs and co's actions was.
