An alleged Cape Flats gang boss walked out of court a free man yesterday after all charges against him were dropped in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court.
Ralph Stanfield, the alleged leader of the 28s gang, faced a charge of assault and intimidation, and crimen injuria after police said he assaulted and intimidated cops at his mother’s home in Beacon Valley on 26 March 2015.
Stanfield went to his mother’s house after cops arrived to look for a suspect.
He allegedly swore at the cop and threatened him.
The officer stated his dignity was injured because of what Stanfield said.
He initially said he came looking for a suspect at the house, but then changed his version during cross-examination stating he was just circling the area.
Stanfield stood confidently as Magistrate Rudolph said there was “a poor amount of evidence” against him.
“This court is of the opinion that the complainant and witness brought forth by the State were vague and contradictory. Under cross-examination the complainant’s versions from his initial statement and the witness brought forth could also not corroborate the words allegedly said by the accused. This court therefore finds you not guilty,” Rudolph told Stanfield.
People in the gallery applauded.
Two months ago Stanfield escaped death after he was shot while sitting in his Audi R8 in Johannesburg. The 37-year-old was wearing a bulletproof vest but was still injured.