Two gang members have been sentenced to life imprisonment, along with additional prison terms exceeding 100 years each, for the k£lling of a pregnant woman in South Africa.
The convicts, Jeremia Fortuin and Ricardo Cloete, who are linked to the Ferodo gang, were found guilty of the murder of 21-year-old Shahida Nathan and the attempted m£rder of six others.
At the time of the incident, Nathan was eight months pregnant.
According to Eric Ntabazalila of the National Prosecuting Authority, the attack occurred in June 2020 at a shack in Scottsdene.
He explained that the two men opened fire on the structure, believing that rival gang members were inside.
However, the shack was occupied by Nathan and six other individuals who were sitting together “enjoying potjiekos and tik lollies” when the shooting began.
Nathan was k£lled in the attack, while two men, aged 29 and 37, sustained injuries.
Ntabazalila further explained: “On that morning, Fortuin and Cloete saw the late Alfredo Titus and the late Ridwaan Smith, who were members of the Mobster gang, getting into the yard of 30 Klipbok Street, Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, and chased after them.
“Titus and Smith ran into the main house, but the accused thought they were in the backyard shack in which Nathan and six others were sitting, enjoying potjiekos and tik lollies.
“Cloete pointed out the shack to Fortuin, who was armed with an illegal firearm.”
He added that Fortuin then opened fire on the shack before both men fled the scene, leaving behind the victims.
During the trial, both accused pleaded not guilty and denied being present at the scene.
Fortuin claimed he had been intoxicated after attending a party the night before, while Cloete said he had been under the influence of drugs and only woke up later that morning.
However, the court rejected their accounts, ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Hearsay evidence, including statements from two deceased witnesses, was also admitted.
Fortuin was convicted on 10 charges, including m£rder, six counts of attempted murder, gang membership, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He received life imprisonment, along with additional sentences totaling 107 years.
Cloete was convicted on similar charges, excluding firearm-related offences, and was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 96 years.
The court ordered that the additional sentences run concurrently with the life sentence.
Nicolette Bell, Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, praised the investigation and prosecution team, stating that the conviction has removed two dangerous criminals from the community.
