The hard work and dedication by Anti-Gang Unit detectives paid off when members of the Wonder Kids gang were convicted and sentenced in the Western Cape High court on Monday, 11 October 2021.
The four accused were on trial for the murder of a civilian who was robbed and killed in Eland Street, Kewtown, Athlone on 26 July 2018.
They were found guilty on charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, POCA Act, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Chad Heugh, Owen Hendricks and Marcelino Du Plessis were sentenced to an effective 14 years direct imprisonment. Dale Swartz was sentenced to life and a further 22 years imprisonment. His sentences will run concurrently. All four accused were also found unfit to possess a firearm.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile welcomed the sentences, stating that it sends out a strong message that the courts are tackling gangs and their illegal activities. “The investigation team have done excellent work in this matter and I commend them for their hard work and dedication”, said Lt Gen Patekile.
Source: South African Police Service