A Port Elizabeth gangster was handed two life sentences by the Port Elizabeth High Court yesterday.
Preston Baadtjies, 28, who police say is a member of the Dustlifes gang, was convicted of murdering Ivan MacDonald and Randy Nel in a gang shooting in July 2013.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu said MacDonald and Nel had been gunned down shortly after exiting a minibus taxi in Bethelsdorp.
“Ivan MacDonald died on the scene, while Randy Nel died a few days later in hospital,” she said
“A few minutes after the shooting, two suspects were arrested by police in a park in Bethelsdorp.
“When police chased after them, the suspects started shooting at the officers.”
Baadtjies and Vuyani Kondile – who has since died – were arrested on the scene.
Yesterday morning, Baadtjies was handed two life sentences as well as 12 years for shooting at the police and six years for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The sentence for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition will run concurrently with the life sentences.
Naidu said that over the past five weeks the gang task team had sent six gangsters to jail in separate cases linked to gang violence.
“The success of our investigations and prosecutions depends largely on police officials being meticulous in taking statements, gathering evidence and presenting the facts of the case in court.
“The convictions result in justice for the victims concerned and the community feels safer when the perpetrators are incarcerated.”
Mount Road cluster commander Brigadier Ernie Neveling said the convictions were a result of collaboration between the investigating team and the prosecuting authority.
“These senseless attacks and killings are a concern for the police and we will not be deterred by these heinous acts in our quest to ensure all people in the northern areas are and feel safe”.
Baadtjies is expected to serve his sentence in St Albans Prison.