PORT ELIZABETH - 2 DANGEROUS SPOTBOUER GANG MEMBERS LIFE SENTENCES FOR SCHAUDERVILLE MURDERS

The success of our investigations and prosecutions depend largely on police officials being meticulous in the taking of statements, gathering evidence and presenting the facts of the case in court. The convictions result in justice for the victims concerned and the community feel safer when the perpetrators are incarcerated.

Two members of the Glendenning Spotbouers gang, Bradley Bergens (26) and Given Cornelius (30) were sentenced in the Port Elizabeth High Court today, 11 February 2020 on two counts of murder, 4 counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

On 04 November 2017 at about 21:00, Reagan Fourie (21), Reagan Russell (16) and four other people, aged between 21 and 40 years old were inside a garage in Dinsmore Road in Shauderville. The garage roll up door was open. The two accused approached the garage on foot and both started shooting randomly into the garage. Fourie and Russerll succumbed to their injuries while four others sustained gunshot wounds.

Bergens was arrested on 28 November 2017, while Cornelius was arrested ON 2 December 2017. Both accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

Today, 11 February 2020 they were both sentenced as follows:

2 x murder: life imprisonment

4 x attempted murder: 12 years for each count

1 x possession of firearm and 1 x possession of ammunition:  15 years imprisonment

None of the sentences are running concurrent therefore the accused’s will each spend a total of two life terms and 63 years in prison.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has welcomed the sentencing and commended the investigating team and the prosecuting authority for a successful prosecution. ‘The sentences imposed upon criminals must be influenced by quality detective work and sound cooperation between investigators and prosecutors.

This sentencing was as a result of an inter-grated approach by the different units within the criminal justice system.  It also sends out a strong message that criminals will face the maximum punishment meted out to them and we, the SAPS will not be deterred  in our quest to ensure that all people in the Northern areas  are and feel safe,’ added Lt Gen Ntshinga.

via - SAPS