Alleged gang boss fears pox during psychiatric observation

THE ALLEGED leader of the Hollanders gang, George “Barney” Peters, has objected to being sent for 30 days’ psychiatric observation, saying he fears contracting an infectious disease in the hospital section of the Kimberley Correctional Services facility.

Peters is facing a range of charges, including murder, attempted murder, gang activity, the 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.

He appeared in the Northern Cape High Court this week, while awaiting a bed to be made available so that he could undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

After being subjected to a one-day observation, it was recommended that he undergo further mental assessment after he attempted to dismiss his legal representative last year.

Peters said he believed he would be found unfit to stand trial.

After wishing Judge Almé Stanton a happy New Year, he proceeded to tell her there was nothing wrong with him.

“I am not crazy, I am in possession of my full senses,” Peters said.

He stated that the hospital facility was “not healthy”.

“Can I go to the hospital section when they need me? There is monkeypox and chickenpox there. I am a diabetic and I don’t want to become ill.”

He added that while he was in prison, his children were roaming the streets and were not attending school.

Stanton advised that he would be assessed by an independent medical specialist.

“They know what they are doing and they will determine if you are able to defend yourself in court,” she said.

Peters is expected to reappear in the Northern Cape High Court along with his co-accused – Britney Arends, Stephanie McAnda, Simone Rose, Chinaaz Mentoor, Abigail van Wyk, Chane Adams, Michael Peters, Clive Peters, Deon May, Palmerston Mentoor, Henry Blom, Vincent Rosen, Tshepo Malambi, Nico Hofuza and Shawn Smith – on March 2.