HUMANSDORP — A major breakthrough in the fight against gang-related crime in Humansdorp was achieved on 10 June when three members of the Andy Boys Gang were convicted and sentenced in the New Law Courts in Gqeberha for the murder of a Pakistani shop owner, Mamun Hosain, during a robbery in Loerie nearly two years ago.

According to police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy, the accused Kirsten Johannes, Justin Johannes and Daviton Brown were found guilty on multiple serious charges following a thorough investigation led by Detective Warrant Officer Xolani Peta of the Anti-Gang Unit.

He said that the convictions stemmed from an incident that took place on 22 October 2024 in Loerie, where the foreign shop owner was shot several times inside his shop.

McCarthy said that one of the suspects grabbed the till before they fled the scene in a white VW Polo.

He said that the vehicle was later found the same day in Humansdorp by private security, who alerted the police to its whereabouts.

“Police managed to arrest the driver of the white VW Polo, while the three others escaped arrest. A replica firearm and items stolen from the shop were found in the driver’s possession and confiscated,” said McCarthy.

He said that on 26 October 2024, the driver of the VW Polo made his first appearance at the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court and later became a Section 204 state witness.

McCarthy said that following a meticulous investigation, the three suspects who had evaded arrest were apprehended in Humansdorp and made their first appearance before the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court.

He said that for the purpose of trial, the case was later transferred to the New Law Courts in Gqeberha, where the accused were convicted and sentenced on 10 June.

NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said that evidence presented before the court revealed that another Pakistani national had allegedly hired the trio to kill Hosain.

“On the day of the incident, the accused travelled together to the victim’s shop and parked outside the premises,” said Tyali.

He further said that Justin Johannes handed a firearm to Kirsten Johannes and Daviton Brown with instructions to shoot the victim.

Tyali said that Senior State Advocate Benedict Wilson prosecuted the matter on behalf of the State.

“During sentencing proceedings, he argued for an effective sentence that reflected the seriousness of the offences and served the interests of society. The investigating officer also testified in aggravation of sentence in support of the State’s submissions,” said Tyali.

He said that the court sentenced all three accused to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years’ imprisonment each for the unlawful possession of a firearm, and five years’ imprisonment each for the unlawful possession of ammunition.

In addition, Tyali said that Brown was sentenced to a further 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

He said that the court further declared all three accused unfit to possess firearms in terms of section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, welcomed the sentences and commended the investigating team for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation.

“I must commend Warrant Officer Sokanyile, Warrant Officer Peta and the other police officers who formed part of the investigation. Their hard work and dedication cannot go unnoticed. They were involved in this matter from beginning to end. When we work together as a team, we can bring criminals to book and make our communities safer places to live without fear,” said Mtwana.

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