Westbury brothers found guilty of gang-related murders, drug peddling
Martin Breda (25) and Leon Breda (27) have been convicted and sentenced on two counts of murder, including the killing of a police officer.
The High Court in Johannesburg was also convicted of six counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and dealing in drugs, following two gang-related shooting incidents in Westbury on 24 September 2023.
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.
The attack was linked to gang rivalry and competition over drug dealing between the Fast Guns gang and the Varodos gang.
“Later that same day, while Warrant Officer David Morris of the South African Police Service Anti-Gang Unit was investigating the earlier murder, the second accused arrived at the scene with three unknown assailants and opened fire recklessly. The shooting resulted in the death of the police officer and attempts to murder several witnesses, including occupants of a police vehicle,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mahlatlole.
The pair was arrested in October 2023 after officers received intelligence on their whereabouts. Drugs were also found on the premises.
“In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Leswikane Mashabela submitted that gang-related murders are rife 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,” Mahlatlole added.
The High Court sentenced each accused to life imprisonment for murder, seven years’ imprisonment 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.
“Accused number two was further sentenced to an additional life imprisonment for the murder of the police officer, as well as seven years’ imprisonment for each of the five counts of attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.”
The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentences.
SOLDIERS DEPLOYED TO TACKLE GANG VIOLENCE
The conviction and sentences come as the the South African National Defense Force moved into gang-violence hotspots in Johannesburg to support police efforts to tackle rampant crime, described by President Cyril Ramaphosa as one of the biggest threats facing South Africa.
Around a dozen armoured vehicles rolled into the suburbs in western Johannesburg to kick off a deployment announced by Ramaphosa a month ago.
Armed and uniformed soldiers backed by police conducted house-to-house searches, lifting mattresses and opening cupboards as they asked about drugs and weapons, AFP reporters saw.
The areas, including Riverlea and Westbury, are plagued by regular shootings and murders linked to turf wars between gangs.
"It's a good thing! Now we can sleep in peace," smiled Cecil Witbooi, a 50-year-old resident of Westbury.
His street, lined with small, run-down houses, was a regular battleground between rival gangs, he said.
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