PORT ELIZABETH – A 20-year-old gang member was today sentenced in the Port Elizabeth Regional court to 19 years imprisonment of which he will effectively serve 12 years behind bars.

On Friday, 15 March 2019, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) were on investigation duties in Kleinskool in Bethelsdorp when two males walked passed their stationary vehicle. One male then pulled out a firearm and fired shots at a house. Members immediately reacted and chased after the suspects. One suspect fired at police but the members managed to apprehend the suspect and a 9mm pistol and ammunition was seized. No one was injured. The firearm was reported stolen in Mount Road area in April 2018.

Elvis Melvin Cedras appeared in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court on Monday, 18 November 2019, on charges of attempted murder x2, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. Today, 20 November 2019, he was sentenced on two counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Acting Cluster Commander for Mount Road, Maj Gen Dawie Rabie commended the two members from Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) for their swift reaction and apprehension of the accused. It is only through thorough investigations and successful bail opposition can we achieve such excellent sentences, added Maj Gen Rabie.

Source: South African Police Service