PORT ELIZAABETH – The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit (Gang Investigation) arrested two gang members while they were appearing for other cases of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
It is alleged that on 07 November 2019 at about 21:45, Leonard Roberts (24) and a friend (32) were at a house in Lawler Street in Shauderville when they heard someone calling Roberts. Both men went outside and as they approached the gate, shots were fired from a vehicle. Roberts sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his head and died at the scene.
Anti-Gang Unit members immediately responded to the shooting and spotted a suspicious vehicle in Ethel Street in Helenvale. While following the vehicle, the occupants started firing at police. One member sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was taken to hospital for treatment. At the time four people were arrested for questioning and were subsequently released.
On 04 January 2020, Riaan Baartman (25) and Darryn Wentzel (25) handed themselves over to police for the alleged shooting at the police officials. They both appeared in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court on Monday, 11 May 2020, for a formal bail application.
The investigating officer, D/Sgt Xolani Peta arrested both suspects for the alleged murder of Roberts and attempted murder of his friend.
Both cases are remanded for the 28 July 2020 and the accused will remain in custody.
