Four members of the “Ama don’t Care” gang were served hefty sentences for the murders of a man who failed to pay extortion money, his granddaughter that was playing nearby, and a female eyewitness back in March 2019.
One of the killers was only 16 years old at the time of the murders of Christopher Cornelius, his granddaughter, Likeshia Joubert, and Glenda Ruiters, who witnessed one of the killers running past her house.
The then 16-year-old (now 20) was convicted alongside Mahlubandile “Hlubi” Jacobs, Moegamat “Gamie” Swarts and gang leader, Vincent “Skelato” Davids. He was sentenced to 20 years for each murder, seven years for aiding and abetting gang crime, and five years for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
As a result of his age, he benefits from the Child Justice Act, and his sentences will run concurrently. Without parole, he will be released from jail at the age of 40.
Jacobs was sentenced to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Cornelius, Joubert and Ruiters, 22 years for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and ten years for aiding gang crime.
Swarts was sentenced to 25 years direct imprisonment for the murder of Ruiters, ten years for the attempted murder of her daughter, and eight years for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentence will run concurrently as 25 years.
Davids was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Ruiters, 12 years for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and ten years for aiding gang crime.
“This case once again illustrated the scourge of gang activity, which usually takes the form of violent and murderous conduct which negatively affects our society, especially on the Cape Flats,” said Judge Robert Henney, who delivered the sentence on Thursday.
On 25 March 2019, the gangsters demanded money from Cornelius after he showed disinterest in joining the “Ama don’t Care” gang following a reconfiguration of gangs in the area.
Cornelius was warned that he would be killed if he did not pay. The four gang members returned the following day. After refusing once more, Cornelius was shot in the head and abdomen by Jacobs.
The 4-year-old granddaughter who was playing nearby was shot in the chest and died on her way to the hospital.
Two of the members fled and swapped clothes with other people to disguise their involvement. Ruiters witnessed this.
On 7 April 2019, Ruiters opened the front door and was greeted by a point-blank shot by Davids, who was with Swarts. Swarts shot at Ruiter’s daughter but missed.
Advocate Nicolette Bell, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, applauded the investigating and prosecution teams for bringing justice to the victims of these gang-related crimes.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery