GQEBERHA - 2 FOUND GUILTY OF BETHELSDORP MURDER IN WHICH VICTIM WAS GUNNED DOWN IN A HAIL OF BULLETS

 Justice was meted out to two murder accused when they received lengthy sentences in the Gqeberha Regional court yesterday, 18 January 2022 for a murder they committed in November 2017 in Kliprand.

On 15 November 2017 at about 11:50, Ivan Jeule (44) was gunned down in a hail of bullets at his house at Douglas Grounds in Kliprand in Bethelsdorp. The two accused kicked opened the door and started firing at Jeule. The incident was not gang related and the motive was drug related.  Jeule sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries on the scene.

As the investigation unfolded, the two accused were identified and arrested in February 2018. They appeared in court and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

On Tuesday, 18 January 2022, Athenkosi Basa (25) and Luxolo Wani (29) were found guilty of murder, illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. They were each sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder, 8 years for illegal possession of a firearm and 2 years for illegal possession of ammunition.  The firearm related offences will run concurrent with the murder sentence. Effectively both men will each serve 25 years in jail.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso commended SAPS Bethelsdorp detectives and the prosecuting authority for ensuring such a lengthy sentence. ‘The drug trade is not a harmless or victimless crime. Drugs destroy the very future of our society therefore, communities shouldn’t keep quiet when greedy people start destroying lives. Sentences such as this, will send a clear message to drug pedlars. Criminals are warned that they can run but they cannot hide,’ added Brig Kupiso.