Once again, excellent teamwork between investigators and prosecutors resulted in two gang members sent to jail for murder, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Shaan Horne (24) and Shane Arends (25) were sentenced today in the Port Elizabeth High court for the murder of Renaldo Africa (23) which took place on Saturday, 23 July 2016 in Van Duuren Street in Helenvale.
At about 09:25 on 23 July 2016, Africa was walking in an alley when he was shot several times. A gold coloured VW Golf fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Members performing Operation Lockdown duties at the time were in the immediate vicinity of the shooting and chased after the car. The car was eventually blocked off in Rabie Street and four suspects were arrested.
During the investigation, one suspect was released due to insufficient evidence and the other suspect was fatally shot in 2017 while out on bail.
Horne was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder, 5 years for possession of firearm and 1 year for possession of ammunition. The possession of firearm and possession of ammunition sentence will run concurrent to the murder conviction.
Arends was sentenced to 5 years for possession of a firearm and 1 year for possession of ammunition. The possession of ammunition will run concurrent to the possession of firearm conviction. Effectively Horne will serve 15 years in prison while Arends will serve 5 years.
The Cluster Commander for Mount Road Cluster, Maj Gen Patekile has commended the investigating officer, D/Const Xolani Peta and the prosecuting authority for once more ensuring that these gang members are taken off the streets and sent to prison where they belong.
‘A case such as this entails extensive and thorough investigation and requires the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a successful conviction. In order for us to win the war against crime, we all need to join hands and strengthen our partnerships towards achieving our common goal of a safe and secure country.’
South Africa Today – South Africa News
