Son identifies men accused of shooting dad in street
TESTIFYING in the murder trial of two of the men accused of gunning down former gangster Sean “Nako” Berry, his son said yesterday he could clearly see who had shot his father while he stood chatting to him in the street.
The 19-year-old, who is not being named for his own safety, identified Gregory Malie, 34, and Sherwin Grootboom, 25, as two of three assailants who shot dead his 33-yearold father near their Salt Lake home on the night of June 19 2016.
Two months earlier Berry’s brother, gang kingpin Donovan “Staal” Berry, 47, was shot dead in Barberry Street.
During cross-examination by Grootboom’s legal representative, Peet Schoonraad, the witness said he saw the two accused along with another person identified as “Chucky” approach his father from behind before shooting him.
“After they pulled on the strings of their hoodies they then pulled out their guns. I could see who they were – they were about four metres away from me,” he said.
It is alleged that after Staal’s murder there was a dispute between the Berry family and the men who had worked for Staal, known as Staal’s Boys, also allegedly known as the Spotbouers.
The dispute stemmed from fighting over property, money and cars.
Malie and Grootboom are alleged to have worked for Staal, who ran an alleged drug post in Barend Street.
Both accused have denied their involvement in the murder.
They are charged with murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
State witness Warrant Officer Yolandi Schoeman, of the police’s ballistics unit, testified that a minimum of three firearms had been used during Sean’s murder.
Bullet casings at the scene identified two 9mm pistols and a revolver, she said.