‘Barney’s Property’ no more: Ex-wives ‘divorce’ themselves from alleged gang leader

THE EX-WIVES of alleged “Hollanders” gang leader, George “Barney” Peters, who have “Barney’s Property” tattooed on their foreheads and bodies, have distanced themselves from him.

The accused — Britney Arends, Stephanie McAnda, Simone Rose and Abigail van Wyk — indicated that they no longer wished to be referred to as Barney’s wives.

They appeared alongside Peters and their co-accused — Chinaaz Mentoor, Chane Adams, Michael Peters, Clive Peters, Deon May, Pamerston Mentoor, Henry Blom, Vincent Rosen, Tshepo Malambi, Nico Hofuza and Shawn Smith — in the Northern Cape High Court this week.

The accused are facing 117 charges, including murder, attempted murder, gang activity, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, discharge of a firearm in a built-up area, public violence, money laundering, racketeering, defeating the ends of justice, assault, kidnapping, fraud and drug dealing.

Peters had to be convinced to continue with the court proceedings after he fell ill on Thursday.

During her testimony, SAPS Warrant Officer Refilwe Maretela described to the court how several 9mm cartridges and bullet fragments were found in the passages and staircases at the Alice Court flats in Roodepan, while five bullet holes were discovered in one of the doors following a shooting during the early hours of June 7, 2021.

She added that an illicit firearm and live rounds of ammunition were later found in a police van at the Roodepan police station.

Constable Sarah Mateo from the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit testified that she attended the scene of the shooting and observed a white Volkswagen Transporter leaving the Roodepan flats at around 10.45pm on June 7, 2021.

“I recognised the number plate as belonging to Barney, as we were informed by our commander to be on the lookout for this vehicle, especially in relation to shooting incidents,” she said.

Mateo added that the Flying Squad stopped the vehicle near Bobo se Plaas in Lerato Park.

“The seven women who were travelling inside the vehicle refused to be searched in a public place. They hid their hands in their pockets and under their clothes. We transported them in the police van to the Roodepan police station and locked the gates for safety reasons. They were only found in possession of cigarettes and cellphones.”

Mateo stated that she asked her colleague to check the police van, where they discovered four firearms underneath the bench, along with a white bank bag containing ammunition.

“Shakira Pike indicated that the firearms belonged to her. Barney arrived along with his members and asked if he could get the key to the Transporter from one of the women who were being kept in the temporary holding cells.”

She said the Roodepan station commander then asked that they arrest Barney and his members, as he was the alleged leader of the gang.

“It was agreed that although no weapons were found on the suspects, Barney and the seven ladies should be tested for traces of gun residue.”

The case continues before Judge Almé Stanton.