Gangster cries during grilling by defence
A self-confessed gangster cried when the defence tore into his decision to turn on his fellow gang members who are on trial for murder.
Morne Nel, 36, told the Port Elizabeth High Court on Wednesday how he feared for his life and the safety of his family before he made the decision to testify against his former murder co-accused, Wendell Petersen, Jermaine “Dolf” Mitchell, 30, Glynn “BoudtHolland” Carelson, 30, Robin “Milo” Taylor, 21, and Graham “Gram” Kammies, 35.
The five are accused of three murders, all of which took place on September 14 2015.
They face a string of charges, including three counts of murder, three counts of conspiring to commit murder and the illegal possession of firearms. All have pleaded not guilty. On Wednesday, defence council for the five, advocate Terry Price SC, repeatedly asked Nel why he had decided to turn state witness after previously confessing to police and prosecutors that he was afraid of threats made against him and his family.
An emotional Nel said he realised that his family would be safer if he testified against his former friends but it had been a difficult decision to turn on people he had been friendly with for years.
Nel’s family are now in witness protection. During court proceedings, video recordings of the discussion between Nel and state prosecutor Mujaahid Sandan were shown.
In the footage, Sandan discusses what the state could do to protect Nel and his family.
Nel was filmed wiping away tears as he told Sandan his mother had told him not to testify.
“My mother did not say she had been threatened. [My mother said] there are some children who are growing up in [the northern areas] and tomorrow they might get hurt because of what you are saying,” Nel said.
It is alleged that Nel and his former co-accused went on a shooting spree on September 14 2015.
They allegedly shot dead Theodore “Tupac” Matthews, Rajen Naidoo and Jermain “Jabilo” Essau.
All three were alleged rival gangsters and witnesses in other gang-related cases.
The trial continues.
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