Defence lawyers withdraw from case of alleged 'hitman' in Wynberg shooting
Abubaker Adams and Shireen Matthews in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court.
Image: Mahira Duval/Independent Newspapers
Defence lawyers are not lining up to represent an alleged Cape Flats hitman accused of executing a hit at Wynberg Regional Court.
This was revealed as alleged Junky Funky hitman, Abubaker Adams, on Wednesday returned to the Wynberg Magistrate's Court alongside gang girlfriend, Shireen Matthews.
The duo have been slapped with eight charges amid the murder of another alleged hitman, Dingalomoyo Chintso, 49.
The shocking April 8 shooting on the fourth floor of the building, which houses the Wynberg Regional Court, sent tongues wagging amid false claims that the victim was a State witness.
At the time of the incident, an eye witness reported that a lone gunman wearing a maroon t-shirt and a black beanie approached Chintso and took a firearm out of his sling bag before firing four shots at his head.
Panic spread as people in the courthouse feared the gunman was still roaming the corridors.
Sources revealed that the victim was a person of interest in the murder of slain Junky Funky gang boss Ashley 'Essie' Phillips, who was shot outside Brackenfell Police Station earlier this year.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also refuted claims that Chintso was a State witness and instead revealed that he was appearing on murder charges.
The 35-year-old Matthews appeared in court several days later where it was revealed that she allegedly orchestrated the revenge hit.
Adams, 24, was busted a week later and brought to court this week.
During proceedings, a lawyer from Legal Aid revealed that they would not be defending Adams but a Judicare representative would be appointed.
However, she told the magistrate that by Wednesday morning, no lawyers had accepted the mandate to defend him. Meanwhile, Matthews will be represented by a private attorney.
Junky Funky hitman, Abubaker Adams and Shireen Mattews.
Image: Mahira Duval
State prosecutor, Advocate Christiaan de Jongh, also revealed that the State has charged the duo with a total of eight counts ranging from murder to charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
According to the charge sheet, Matthews is charged as the person who instigated the shooting and has been slapped with three charges on her own which include instigating the murder and supplying the firearm and ammunition for the hit in addition to the murder charge.
Adams is charged with murder, the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as POCA charges.
The case has been postponed to May 9 in order for Adams to obtain a lawyer.
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