Skollie denies ordering hit on fellow gangster for robbing his niece
|Published
Timothy “Tamatie” Japhta, 47, says he did not order the death of Deano Khan, 36, who robbed his niece just days before he was killed. Picture: Monique Duval Timothy “Tamatie” Japhta, 47, says he did not order the death of Deano Khan, 36, who robbed his niece just days before he was killed. Picture: Monique Duval
A self-confessed high-ranking member of the 26s gang and drug mert in Parkwood has denied ordering the murder of a fellow gang member, saying the community and police are treating him unfairly.
Timothy “ Tamatie” Japhta, 47, says while he gives instructions in prison, he did not order the death of Deano Khan, 36, who had robbed his niece just days before he was killed.
Khan, an alleged member of the Americans gang, was shot and killed on 9 September in Parkwood Avenue where residents at the scene claimed Tamatie ordered the hit because
Khan robbed his niece.
Tamatie says he spent nine years in the mang for hijacking and armed robbery and was sent to Embongweni Prison in Kokstad where he joined the 26s prison gang.
After being released seven years ago he claims that the community and police incorrectly labelled him as the Americans gang boss.
“I am not the leader of the Americans,” he insists.
“When I was released, and people became aware that I was merting tik and was the highest ranking 26 member, they sommer said I was the leader of the Americans. I did not order the hit on Khan.”
He says two days before he died, Khan and a friend had robbed his niece and stole her chain and cellphone and moered her.
He says he advised her to go to the police station and open a case.
“Then I heard that Khan stabbed Growwes on the same day, Growwes is an American and part of the 27s prison gang.
“A girl told me Growwes killed Khan. Growwes is ’n nDota en in die wet van die bende makeer hy nie ’n opdrag nie om sy eie bloed te gaan optel nie.”
Deono Khan was killed two days after robbing Tamatie's niece in Parkwood. Picture supplied.
In July Law Enforcement officers stormed Tamatie’s council-owned home, which is covered by cameras. Officers found 26 packets of tik and 26 half mandrax tablets hidden in a curtain and arrested his sister for possession of drugs.
Tamatie says this incident angered his family so much that he’s given up merting.
“ Hulle was baie kwaad, nou smokkel ek nie meer nie.”
Station commander, Colonel Dawood Laing, said on Sunday: "We believe Tamatie is one of the leaders for the Americans gang in Parkwood and we know of his rank in the 26s gang.
“No arrests were made for the murder of Khan so if Tamatie knows something he must give a statement.”
Timothy “Tamatie” Japhta, 47, says he did not order the death of Deano Khan, 36, who robbed his niece just days before he was killed. Video: Monique Duval