Gangster apologises to family for killing woman in shootout

A Helenvale family burst into tears in the Port Elizabeth High Court yesterday when convicted murderer and self-confessed gangster Marvin Thomas apologised to them for his actions which led to death of Sharon Dageford.

Moments after he was convicted on a string of charges and sentenced to an effective 25 years behind bars, Thomas, 33, turned to the public gallery where the family of Dageford, 50, were seated.

“I ask you for forgiveness for my actions.

“It was never my intentions to kill [Dageford],” Thomas said.

Dageford’s family hugged each other and sobbed bitterly outside the court after the matter was finalised.

While the family did not want to comment, Dageford’s emotional sister-in-law Jenny Rezwers said: “It [the sentence] won’t bring my sister-in-law back.”

On Tuesday, Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of murder, three of attempted murder and one count each for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Thomas said on January 11 2020, at about 3.45pm he was in a shootout with a rival gangster and while running away in Renecke Street, Helenvale he saw a police vehicle turn into the street.

He then opened fire on the vehicle and again when three police officers got out of it.

Thomas said later he learnt he had fatally wounded Dageford who was standing at the bottom of Renecke Street at the time he opened fire.

He did not say which gang he was affiliated to at the time or who his rival was associated with.

Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to his right groin and two to his left thigh.

He was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital.

He has since had his right leg amputated due to the injuries.

In passing down judgment and sentence, acting judge Denzil Potgieter said he was satisfied with the agreement between the defence and state in terms of sentencing and had considered all mitigating and aggravating circumstances.

“The sentences are just,” Potgieter said.

The agreed sentences included 25 years for murder, five years each for the three counts of attempted murder, 15 years for the illegal possession of a firearm and three years for ammunition, with all sentences running concurrently.