Two brothers, Martin Breda, 25, and Leon Breda, 27, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in two gang-related murders in Westbury, including the killing of a police officer. The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg convicted the brothers on two counts of murder, six counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and dealing in drugs.
Gang-Related Violence in Westbury
The charges stem from shootings that took place on September 24, 2023, during a gang rivalry between the Fast Guns and Varodos gangs. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), investigations by Warrant Officer Baloyi revealed that the brothers, together with an unknown accomplice, opened fire on a group of people gathered around a fire, killing Cornely Hein and injuring another person.
Later that day, while Warrant Officer David Morris of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit was investigating the earlier murder, the second accused arrived at the scene with three unknown assailants and fired recklessly. The shooting resulted in the death of the police officer and attempts to murder several witnesses, including occupants of a police vehicle, as stated by NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole.
Arrest and Sentencing
During their arrest on October 15, 2023, police found the accused with other individuals at a flat, where drugs were also discovered. In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Leswikane Mashabela told the court that gang-related murders are rampant in Westbury. He further argued that the killing of a police officer warrants the harshest punishment, particularly as the shooting took place in front of the officer’s family, causing severe trauma to the children who witnessed the incident.
The High Court sentenced both brothers to life imprisonment for murder. They also received seven years for attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, two years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and four years for dealing in drugs. In addition, the second accused was sentenced to an extra life term for the murder of the police officer, seven years for each of the five counts of attempted murder, and additional sentences for firearm and ammunition offences.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting gang-related crimes. The NPA continues to prosecute hundreds of such matters that affect the safety of communities and remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of crime, as seen on the South African Police Service website.
- Gang-related murders are a significant concern in South Africa.
- The NPA is committed to prosecuting such crimes.
- The South African government is investing in safety initiatives to combat gang violence.
