PORT ELIZABETH - LIFE SENTENCE WELCOMED FOR CONVICTED MURDERER

On 27 May 2016, Marcus Malgas (24 years) was convicted in the Port Elizabeth High court on 12 counts as follows:

One count of murder;
Seven counts of attempted murder;
Two counts relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm; and
Two counts relating to the unlawful possession of ammunition.

On the evening of 18 October 2015, Enslin Russel (23 years) and a friend, (20 years) were walking in Stanford Road, Helenvale, when Malgas approached them, firing shots at Russel.  Russel sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was certified dead on arrival at a hospital (Count 1, Murder).

On 3 November 2015 at 15:00, as Jonathan Davids (28 years) was driving in Reginald Road, Helenvale, the accused, Marcus Malgas, fired shots at the car he was driving.  A bystander, Trevor Ruiters (30 years), who was standing further up the road, was shot and taken to hospital for treatment (Count 2, Attempted Murder).

Davids then proceeded to fetch his mother, Sarah Davids, and his five children (aged 12 year, 10 years, eight years, three years and five months) and whilst driving with them in the car in Reginald Road, Malgas approached them and fired several shots at the vehicle.  Jonathan Davids was wounded in the upper thigh (Counts 3 to 9, Attempted Murder).

Malgas was arrested and charged on 15 December 2015.

On Tuesday, 31 May 2016, he was sentenced in the Port Elizabeth High Court as follows:

Murder : Life sentence
Attempted murder : 10 years
Attempted murder (6 counts) : 10 years
Unlawful possession of illegal firearm :  5 years
Unlawful  possession of ammunition : I year
Unlawful possession of firearm : 5 years
Unlawful possession of ammunition : 1 year
The total sentencing amounted to life plus 32 years imprisonment.

The sentencing is welcomed by SAPS management. Team work within the SAPS and between the dedicated task team and the NPA is reaping significant rewards. The investigation team performing duties under Operation Lockdown is applauded for their efforts in bringing criminals operating in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth to book.

“We are serious about bringing stability to the Northern Areas and we will not rest until those responsible for gang-related violence and criminal activities are behind bars for many years. This sentence augurs well for the SAPS because, through dedication, thorough investigations and professional prosecutions, the judicial system is working,” said the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for National Management Interventions, Lieutenant General Gary Kruser.  “The long hours, dangerous circumstances and many sacrifices made by the investigation team is truly appreciated,” he added.

VIA - saps.gov.za