The accused was sentenced for crimes committed in 2018, including illegal possession of firearm, ammunition, attempted murder and murder.
A 21-year-old gang member affiliated to the ‘NTB’ gang who shot and injured two children and killed a man in late 2018, was today, 22 June 2020 sentenced to life and further 31 years in jail.
According to the Eastern Cape Police, the first incident took place at about 14:40 on 9 December 2018 when two teenagers aged 13 and 15 years old (at the time of the offence) were walking along Anita Street, Helenvale from the shop when they were injured by gunshots. Shots were fired in the street injuring the 13-year-old in the chest and the 15-year-old in the hand.
The second incident took place on 10 December 2018 in Kobus Road in Helenvale. At about 04:30, Richard Stuurman (40) and two friends were playing cards inside the house when the accused, Walter Williams entered the house. After sitting for a few minutes, Williams pulled out a firearm and fired at Stuurman wounding him in the face. Stuurman succumbed to his injuries in hospital. A case of murder was opened.
Williams was arrested on 22 January 2019 and was detained on charges of murder and attempted murder (for the two cases). He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case.
On Monday, 22 June 2020, he was sentenced as follows on the following charges:
- Section 9(1) (a) Prevention of Organised Crime Act – 3 years imprisonment
- Section 9(2) (a) Prevention of Organised Crime Act – 3 years imprisonment
- Attempted Murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Attempted murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Attempted murder – 12 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of firearm – 15 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession ammunition – 18 months imprisonment
- Murder – life imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of firearm – 15 years imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of ammunition -18 months imprisonment.
Some of the sentences are running concurrently therefore effectively, he will serve life plus 31 years and 6 months in prison.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga welcomed the sentencing saying it is through thorough investigation of the cases and the integrated partnership with the prosecuting authority that Police were able to achieve such a hefty sentence.