Alleged Hollanders gang leader referred for further psychiatric observation

THE ALLEGED leader of the Hollanders gang, George “Barney” Peters, will be sent for a 30-day psychiatric evaluation and is expected to be admitted with the January 12, 2026, intake.

Barney and his co-accused – Britney Arends, Stephanie McAnda, Simone Rose, Chinaaz Mentoor, Abigail van Wyk, Chane Adams, Michael Peters, Clive Peters, Deon May, Pamerston Mentoor, Henry Blom, Vincent Rosen, Tshepo Malambi, Nico Hofuza and Shawn Smith – are facing 117 charges, including murder, attempted murder, gang activity, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a built-up area, public violence, money laundering, racketeering, defeating the ends of justice, assault, kidnapping, fraud and drug-dealing.

Northern Cape High Court Judge Almé Stanton ordered that Peters be referred to a Kimberley hospital ward to be re-examined by a psychiatrist.

She requested that an assessment be conducted to determine whether he is capable of understanding court procedures, whether he can be held criminally responsible for the offences charged, and whether he is able to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions.

Peters was previously referred for a one-day mental observation after he announced that he wished to represent himself in court and did not want a lawyer to assist him.

His legal representative, Advocate Vasiliki Patrinos, related that during a prison visit, Peters informed her that he “wanted her to be his lawyer forever”.

“Any treatment would be beneficial for him,” she added.

Patrinos also pointed out that multiple accused, many of whom were still very young, had been languishing in prison for a long time.

Peters pleads for one hour to ‘prove his innocence’

In a letter read out by Patrinos on behalf of Peters, he expressed frustration at the slow pace of the trial.

“I only need one hour to prove my innocence. I do not have any family or the financial capacity to achieve what I want. I have been in custody for four years, during which the State has failed to prove my guilt. A lot of people are suffering, including my deceased wife, who is restless, my children and other co-accused. Not one of us has said anything; we are patiently respecting the court. No one knows how long the trial will take, or where we stand.”

He believed that his emotional pain was being disregarded.

“I have been detained for so long, and I am suffering so much, while I am just an ordinary person. What about my children and my health? My children have missed so many Christmases and Father’s Days, and how much have I missed?” he asked.

Safety concerns in prison

The legal representative for May, Ryan Ishmail, indicated that his client was supposed to be transferred to the Douglas prison due to safety concerns.

“This never happened as it is a medium-security facility, they have minimal staff, and mainly younger inmates are accommodated there. They are not prepared to have him transferred there.”

It was previously placed on record that there was friction between Peters and May, and that they had to be separated in prison and transported to court in different vehicles. It was indicated that Peters “did not feel safe” in May’s presence.

Accused objects to new legal representation

Advocate Kenneth Kgatwe confirmed that he would represent Hofuza and Smith. Hofuza objected, stating that he wanted their previous lawyer, Advocate Renier Pieterse, to continue representing him.

Pieterse was removed due to a potential conflict relating to a Section 204 witness.

Hofuza was advised to co-operate with his new legal representative.

The matter has been postponed until March 2, 2026, when the trial is expected to continue.

Two more accused granted bail

Meanwhile, Malambi and Michael Peters were released on R5,000 bail each after appealing their bail. Co-accused Britney Arends’s application to appeal her bail was dismissed.

Michael Peters, 38, is the elder brother of Barney. He pleaded not guilty to offences including racketeering, 10 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and eight counts relating to the unlawful use or possession of firearms.

During the bail appeal, State Advocate Hannes Cloete argued that Michael Peters was linked to the activities through eyewitnesses, witness statements, ballistic reports and crime-scene photos.

“The nature and gravity of the offences is a crucial consideration in that there is a prospect of long-term imprisonment on conviction,” he added.

Malambi has been in detention since 2022 and was implicated in charges of murder and attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.

His legal representative, Advocate Kelly Nxumalo, pointed out that the Correctional Centre was overcrowded and conditions were “not good”.

Acting Judge Tyuthuza believed that neither Michael Peters nor Malambi posed a flight risk, nor were they likely to evade their trials.

“It is not likely that they will influence or intimidate witnesses, undermine the criminal justice system or destroy evidence if they are released on bail. Appropriate bail conditions will limit any risks.”

She added that Malambi had no previous convictions and had strong family and emotional ties in Kimberley.

Bail appeal dismissed

Tyuthuza dismissed Arends’ application for leave to appeal her bail refusal.

She reasoned that some of the four addresses she had provided as her places of residence were linked to the same gang she was alleged to be part of, and were shared with co-accused and seven children.

“One of the addresses belongs to Barney’s mother. This is an indication of her close association with the criminal enterprise and demonstrates that she did not maintain close ties with her family.”

Tyuthuza said Arends was charged with racketeering and gang-related offences and was alleged to have been involved in attacking a police station and the private residences of community members.

“This prima facie shows a lack of respect for the authority and rights of fellow citizens.”

She added that Arends had made a false confession under oath for a murder and was involved in defeating the ends of justice.