WESTERN CAPE – The Cape Town High Court handed hefty sentences to Thando Manuel and his co-accused Nathan Erasmus today. The two accused were both facing two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. 

On 18 March 2018, the suspects went to a known drug outlet in Protea Street, Kleinvlei, posing as customers. After a brief verbal engagement they opened fire on the three victims, two of whom died on the scene while one sustained a gunshot wound. The suspects fled on foot but Kleinvlei SAPS members, with the aid of the community arrested one of the suspects. The second suspect was arrested during further investigations. A 9mm pistol and a R5 semi-automatic rifle were recovered, and both firearms were positively linked to the scene of the crime by forensic ballistic evidence. Investigations revealed that the killing was gang related, and was a feud between different groupings of the 28 gang group in the Kleinvlei and adjacent areas. The accused were both found guilty on all the charges and were convicted and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Thando Manuel was sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for the murders, and an additional total of 65 years imprisonment for the other crimes, while Nathan Erasmus was sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for the murders, and an additional 60 years imprisonment for the other charges. The sentences will be served concurrently with the life sentences.

SAPS management in the Western Cape trust that the lengthy sentences will send a strong message that gangsterism will not be tolerated in our communities.

Source: South African Police Service