George "Barney" Peters has decided against representing himself after his legal representative withdrew his services in the Northern Cape High Court this week
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
THE TRIAL of the so-called “Hollanders gang” has been postponed until October, after the alleged gang leader, George “Barney” Peters, reversed his decision to represent himself. This comes after his legal representative withdrew last week.
Due to the delays, only one State witness out of a list of 116 testified during the trial, which was initially set down in the Northern Cape High Court from March 17 to 28.
The accused - Peters, Britney Arends, 22, Stephanie McAnda, 21, Simone Rose, 29, Chinaaz Mentoor, 21, Abigail van Wyk, 22, Chane Adams, 27, Michael Peters, 37, Clive Peters, 42, Deon May, 38, Pamerston Mentoor, 30, Henry Blom, 28, Thabo Sekapano, 38, Vincent Rosen, 33, Tshepo Malambi, 27, Nico Hofuza, 29, and Shawn Smith, 24 - are facing 117 charges.
According to the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the charges include – but are not limited to – managing a criminal enterprise, conducting or participating in a criminal enterprise, aiding and abetting criminal gang activity, acts of violence or criminal activities by a criminal gang, public violence, multiple counts of conspiracy to commit murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm with reckless disregard, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, unlawful possession of firearms and prohibited firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition, multiple counts of fraud, multiple counts of murder, defeating or obstructing the course of justice, money laundering, malicious injury to property, multiple counts of pointing a firearm, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, assault, rape, kidnapping and dealing in drugs.
“It is alleged that between August 2020 and February 2023, in the areas of Kimberley and Kuruman, the accused actively participated in a criminal gang known as the ‘Hollanders’, aiding and abetting criminal activities for the gang’s benefit. The 17 accused were arrested following an extensive multi-disciplinary investigation led by the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), in collaboration with various police units, and guided by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Northern Cape,” said Senokoatsane.
He added that senior advocates and prosecutors were instrumental in preparing the case.
“The trial was originally set to proceed in the Northern Cape High Court from March 17 to 28. The State’s first witness, a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer, described an incident where George Peters and others arrived at a police station in a taxi and began attacking the station with stones.”
Senokoatsane stated that the witness further testified that Peters had to be disarmed of a knife.
“The State intends to call approximately 116 witnesses, including victims, police officers, criminology experts, and forensic specialists.”
He added that George Peters and his legal representative failed to reach an agreement during consultations.
“Peters expressed dissatisfaction with how his instructions were being conveyed and requested to represent himself. He also cited concerns for his large family, stating that he has 15 wives and over 30 children whom he has been unable to support due to his incarceration. Despite his request, the court advised against self-representation and appointed new legal counsel for him.”
Senokoatsane indicated that the State could not proceed with its case, allowing time for Peters to consult with his new legal representative.
“The trial is now scheduled to resume in the Kimberley High Court from October 6-24 and again from November 3-21. The State will present its second witness when proceedings resume,” he added.
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