The leader of the Clever Kidz gang, Moegamat Faeez “Faizy” Hendricks, has been sentenced to life in the mang for the murder of a rival gang member.
Angelo Davids, 35, of the Hard Livings gang was stabbed and beaten and left to die in the street three years ago.
Judge Justice Ndita did not mince her words at the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday when she sentenced Faizy to 25 years behind bars and his co-accused, Naeem Benjamin of the Dixie Boys gang, to 20 years for Angelo’s murder.
The men were part of a group of five skollies who were arrested for the murder on 20 July 2016.
During the trial, it was heard that the Clever Kidz and Dixie Boys had teamed up against the Hard Livings after Faizy was shot in the arm.
The State’s star witness, community activist Roegshanda Pascoe, went into hiding just days before the trial started after shots were fired at her home.
Ndita said that while Faizy told the court he had been shot, he had refused to open a case.
Through his lawyer, the 50-year-old dik ding from Manenberg told the court that he is a father of 25 children, six of whom are minors who he supports by running a fish business.
Roegshanda Pascoe went into hiding days before the trial started. Photo: David Ritchie African News Agency (ANA)
Meanwhile Benjamin, 41, claimed his involvement in the murder was minimal but that he got caught up in the moment as the mob attacked Davids.
Ndita highlighted Faizy’s long list of convictions, dating back to 1986, that include theft, murder, arson, attempted murder, assault, firearm-related crimes and even a conviction for possession of explosives.
In October 2000, he was given a 27-year sentence for murder, but only served 14 years before being granted parole.
Ndita said his history of assault cases showed he has a propensity for violent crimes.
She said there was no clear motive for the murder of Davids.
“Accused 2 [Faizy] stated that he regretted the loss of human life, but he has not shown any contrition,” she said.
“Accused 5 [Benjamin] only has one conviction which is totally unrelated. He does seem that he was caught in the moment.”
She said the evidence had established that Faizy called for the killing.
“Both of the accused were part of a group that raided people’s houses looking for members of the Hard Livings gang.
CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT: Naeem Benjamin received a 20-year term.
“The horror, fear and trepidation instilled in the Manenberg community is unimaginable.
“The accused audaciously murdered an unarmed man in broad daylight in full view of members of the community.
“There is no flicker of remorse.
“For accused 2 the court imposes life imprisonment and for accused 5, the court imposes a sentence of 20 years imprisonment,” she said, as loud gasps were heard from the public gallery.
Outside court an angry aunty was heard calling Ndita a “ k@k judge”.
Manenberg acting station commander, Col. Sanele Zama, says the team of detectives consisting of Constable Rashied van Rooy, Sergeant Jeffrey Witbooi, Sergeant Wayne Leukes, Constable Filton Abrahams and Constable Mogamat Lutfie Eksteen has done the station proud by securing the conviction of Faizy.
monique.duval@inl.co.za