Thorough investigation, expert evidence and a great prosecuting team resulted in the conviction and sentencing of two gang members in the Port Elizabeth High court on 13 December 2019.
On 19 November 2016, at about 09:30, the body of Mohamed Abdulla (40 at the time) was found in an open field by a passer-by who was using the field as a short cut in Bramlin Markman Road in Malabar. Abdulla sustained a fatal gunshot under his right eye. His body was covered with branches.
Investigations later revealed that the deceased person was at a house in Gideon Street in Shauderville earlier that morning when three males broke down the door looking for someone. Abdulla was accused of knowing the whereabouts of this person and he was forcefully taken from the house. That was the last time he was seen alive.
On 19 November 2016, Damian Kammies, Warren Steyn and Deilon Makopa were arrested after a vehicle chase with police. They remained in custody until the finalization of the case.
On Friday, 13 December 2019, they were sentenced as follows:
Damian Kammies:
Housebreaking – 5 years
Kidnapping – 5 years
Illegal possession of a firearm – 5 years
Murder – life imprisonment
All other sentences will run concurrent with the life sentence
Warren Steyn:
Housebreaking – 3 years
Kidnapping – 3 years
Murder – life imprisonment
His sentences will also run concurrent with the life sentence.
Deilon Makopa was acquitted on all charges.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga welcomed these life sentences handed down to the accused and added that, “These sentences meted out to these criminals indicates that justice has been served. I congratulate the investigating team, prosecutors, forensic experts and all those involved in securing a watertight case against them. Criminals who have no respect for humanity must be punished and given the appropriate sentence that fit the crime.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
