GQEBERHA - Hefty sentences were handed down to two gang members from Kamesh, this afternoon, 17 August 2022 in the Gqeberha High court for murder, crimes in terms of the POC Act as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On 23 April 2020 at about 14:30, Lewin Cowie (21) was in Spekboom Street, when he was approached by a suspect who fired several shots, fatally injuring him. The suspect ran down the road where he was joined by another male. A witness heard the gunshots and saw the suspect running away from the shooting. He chased after them in his private car. The two males ran into a yard and disappeared. A black bag was dropped by the males as they ran. A 9mm pistol reported stolen in Humewood in May 2018, was found inside the bag

On 24 April 2020, Siphuxolo Mhlana (23) was arrested at his house in Macuba Street in Langa while his accomplice, Jade Gerwel (28) was arrested in a street in Kamesh in August 2020. Both accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.

The murder was gang related. Today, 17/08, both accused were found guilty and sentenced as follows:

POC Act 121/1998 Chapter 4 (Gangsterism), Section 9(1)(a) - 5 years imprisonment;

POC Act 121 /1998 Chapter 4: Sec 9(2)(a) - 5 years imprisonment ;

Murder - 25 years imprisonment

Unlawful possession of firearm- 13 years imprisonment

Unlawful possession of ammunition- 2 years imprisonment.

All the other sentences will run concurrent with the murder sentence. Effectively they will serve 25 year each in prison.

The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation team was commended by the prosecuting authority for the meticulous and thorough investigation.

Source: South African Police Service