PE gang member gets life sentence for murder

A Port Elizabeth gang member has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the Provincial Gang Investigation Unit managed to secure the life sentence for 26-year-old gang affiliate Leroy Tshakatsha of the Kakmakers gang who was sentenced in the PE High Court yesterday.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and six years for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On March 18, 2016, Jermain Constable, 32, was standing inside the yard of a spaza shop in Bushwick Street, in Ext 32, in Bethelsdorp, when he was confronted by the accused and another person.

“The accused pulled out a firearm and repeatedly shot Constable,” Naidu said.

“The accused fled the scene and ran into police who were attending another crime scene not far from the shooting.

“Both men were arrested and a firearm and the deceased’s jacket were found not far from where they were arrested.”

Naidu said the men appeared in court for murder, but the case was withdrawn, pending forensic analysis.

“A month later, after obtaining more evidence, Tshakatsha was re-arrested and charged with murder. He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. The accused was positively linked through touch DNA.”

He was found guilty on Tuesday. According to Naidu, the life sentence is the 12th life sentence handed out to gang affiliates since October 2016. The cluster commander for Mount Road Cluster, Major-General Funeka Siganga, welcomed the sentencing and commended the investigating officer on the investigation of the case.

“Thorough investigation of cases in collaboration with the prosecuting authority, as well as evidence of witnesses, not only helps in the eradication of crime and criminality but also enables the Saps to provide a safe and secure environment for the communities they serve,” Siganga said.