On Monday 22 June, the Port Elizabeth High court sentenced member of the NTB gang, Walter Williams, to life plus 31 years imprisonment for two cases in a shooting which took place in December 2018.
The first incident, in which two teenagers aged 13 & 15 (at the time) were walking along Anita Street, Helenvale when they were injured by gunshots. Shots were fired in the street injuring the 13-year-old in the chest and the 15-year-old in the hand. The incident allegedly took place on 9 December 2018 at around 14:40.
In the second incident, Richard Stuurman (40) and two friends were playing cards inside the house when the accused, Walter Williams entered the house. After a few minutes, Williams pulled out a firearm and fired at Stuurman wounding him in the face. Stuurman succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. A case of murder was opened.
The second incident reportedly took place on 10 December 2018 in Kobus Road, Helenvale.
On 22 January 2019, the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Gang Investigation) arrested Williams and detained him on charges of murder and attempted murder (for the two cases). He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On Monday, 22 June 2020, Williams was sentenced on the following charges:
- Section 9(1) (a) Prevention of Organised -Crime Act – 3 years imprisonment
- Section 9(2) (a) Prevention of Organised -Crime Act – 3 years imprisonment
- Attempted Murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Attempted murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Attempted murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession ammunition – 18 months imprisonment
- Murder – life imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of ammunition -18 months imprisonment.
- Some of the sentences are running concurrently therefore effectively, he will serve life plus 31 years and 6 months in prison.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, welcomed the sentencing.
“It is through thorough investigation of the cases and the integrated partnership with the prosecuting authority that we were able to achieve such a hefty sentence. The core business of the SAPS is to fight crime and bring criminals to justice and sentences such as this re-assures the community of our commitment to our call of duty,” added Lt Gen Ntshinga.
