GELVANDALE - TEEN GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED MURDER, POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

A 17-year-old teenager (15 years at the time of the offence) was sentenced earlier this month in the Port Elizabeth Regional Court for attempted murder, possession of firearm and possession of ammunition.

On Wednesday, 14 May 2014, the accused was seen running near the Spar in Gelvandale and opened fire at the complainant and his wife. The complainant was walking to his vehicle after exiting the Spar. During the shooting, the complainant’s vehicle, another vehicle and the window of a nearby KFC was damaged. No person was injured.

Gelvandale police immediately responded and two suspects were seen running towards Stanford Road. The accused disposed of the firearm while fleeing. Within 10 minutes of the incident, the teen was arrested.

On 4 March 2016 he was found guilty and sentenced as follows: Attempted murder – 5 years imprisonment; attempted murder – three years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years; Possession of firearm – Two years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years and possession of ammunition – one year wholly suspended for five years. The accused will serve an effective 5 years in prison.

The sentence is welcomed as the convictions result in justice for the victims concerned and the community feel safer when perpetrators are incarcerated.

VIA - saps.gov.za