A 25-year-old gang member was found guilty in the Gqeberha High court on 31 May 2021 for murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as possession of stolen motor vehicle.
On 14 November 2019 at 19:16, Laurenzo Nicholas (27) was fatally shot while walking in Kobus Street in Helenvale. He was shot multiple times. The accused Romario De Lange also fired shots at another person standing in Kobus Road (no injuries). It was later discovered that a 6-year-old girl also sustained a gunshot wound to her stomach. She was walking from a shop nearby.
Cases of murder and attempted murder were being investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation). The suspect at that time was on the run from the police.
In March 2020, the accused was arrested in Kamesh for possession of suspected stolen vehicle. The vehicle was stolen in Bethelsdorp the same month. He was then charged for the murder and attempted as well as possession of suspected stolen property.
He was denied bail and remains in custody.
On Monday, 31 May 2021, De Lange was found guilty on the following:
Wilfully aiding and abetting any criminal activity committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal gang activity;
Performing any act which is aimed at causing, bringing about, promoting or contributing towards a pattern of criminal gang activity;
Murder
Attempted murder
Illegal possession of a firearm
Illegal possession of ammunition
Possession of stolen property.
Sentencing will be passed on 26 July 2021.
