The Acting District Commissioner of Nelson Mandela Bay, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of two Mechanics Gang affiliates in the Eastern Cape High Court, calling the outcome a significant breakthrough against violent crime and organized gang activity in the province.
The accused, Neavan du Preez (Accused 1) and Jody Cloete (Accused 2), were found guilty on multiple charges following an investigation led by Warrant Officer Xolani Sokanyile.
The court sentenced both accused as follows:
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Three counts of murder: Life imprisonment per count, resulting in three life sentences each.
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Three counts of attempted murder: 15 years’ imprisonment for each count.
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Theft of a motor vehicle: Five years’ imprisonment.
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Unlawful possession of a firearm: 10 years’ imprisonment.
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Unlawful possession of ammunition: Five years’ imprisonment.
Collectively, the sentencing amounts to six life imprisonment terms for the two accused. They were acquitted on charges related to the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The convictions are related to an incident on April 2, 2021, at approximately 17:00. Victims Jonathan Bruintjies and Devidene Van Zyl were walking from a retail store to the Intercape bus depot in Perridgevale when they were targeted and fatally shot in a drive-by shooting. During the attack, a bystander, Mr. Nyathi, a Zimbabwean national, was struck by gunfire and died.
Police pursued the suspects’ vehicle and arrested Du Preez and Cloete in Schauderville. At the time of arrest, they were found in possession of two firearms and a hijacked vehicle. Subsequent investigations linked the accused to the murder scene.