Radebe talks tough
Justice Minister warns Bay gangsters at opening of R37m Gelvandale court upgrade their days are numbered
We will leave no stone unturned in catching criminals
JUSTICE Minister Jeff Radebe has warned gang members waging war in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas that their days are numbered. He was in Port Elizabeth yesterday to open the newly renovated and extended Gelvandale Branch Court, which will operate with the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court.
“Gangsters, we will catch you and put you in jail. Your days are numbered. We will leave no stone unturned in catching you,” Radebe said.
He said there were 17 gangs active in Helenvale alone and they had been responsible for 20 deaths in the past two months.
“You are the ones who know these gangsters. They are your brothers and neighbours,” he told residents. At the same time yesterday, three suspected gang members appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder.
A total of R37-million was spent on the court upgrade, with 60% going to refurbishment and 40% spent on a new street entrance, security centre, landscaping and 3m high wall.
Public Works Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin said: “It is a court that the community of Gelvandale and surrounds can be proud of.”
Cronin suggested the building be named the Dawid Stuurman Magistrate’s Court, which was symbolic of the northern areas reclaiming justice for the present and past. Stuurman played a key role in the Khoi Rebellion, or Third Frontier War, which lasted from 1799 to 1803.
The new court heard 46 criminal cases yesterday.
From next month, family courts – such as maintenance and domestic violence sittings – will be added.
Eastern Cape Judge President Themba Songani said: “Structures like this are significant because they ensure previously disadvantaged communities, have easy access to justice.”
He said the justice system would now serve “the people of Gelvandale on home soil”.
Across the city, a police general, Crime Intelligence members and other police officials filled the gallery in the Magistrate’s Court to show opposition to bail being granted to alleged gangsters.
Alleged Dustlifes leader Wendell Petersen, 27, of Holland Park, alleged Spotbouers head Hans Jordaan, 30, of Bloemendal, and suspected Fat Cats member Graven Greeff, 25, of Heath Park, appeared side by side following their arrests.
Heavily armed members of the Tactical Response Team filled the courtroom.
The men were arrested earlier this month following a shootout at the Total garage in Stanford Road on March 22.
They are accused of trying to kill each other.
Their bail applications will be opposed.
The men all have previous convictions or outstanding cases involving elements of violence. In the latest matter, they each face charges of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Petersen and Greeff are represented by attorney Hennie Bence, while Ryno Scholtz appears for Jordaan.
Port Elizabeth cluster commander General Dawie Rabie and several members of the gang unit and Crime Intelligence filled an already-packed public galler y.
The matter was postponed to May 6 for a formal bail application.
The opening of the Gelvandale court was followed by an imbizo at the Helenvale Resource Centre, where residents had the chance to raise their concerns with Radebe.
Northern areas SA Communist Party spokesman David Davidson said Radebe should find ways to employ more people in Helenvale.
Marlene September, holding her two-year-old son in her arms, asked Radebe why they were forced to live in fear while gangsters plagued their streets.
Other questions directed at Radebe related to how the bail and parole systems worked, why the justice system did not use a jury system, and how sentences were determined.