Justice at last for slain Valentino Grootetjie, 5
Valentino Grootetjie, 5, was shot and killed in Drury Court, Lavender Hill, in 2019. His two killers - Carlo Hofmeester and Chadwin Isaacs - who shot him in the head during a drug turf war, were sentenced to a life sentence each at the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.
Image: Supplied / Archive
THE Western Cape High Court has sentenced gang members Carlo Hofmeester and Chadwin Isaacs to life imprisonment for the murder of five-year-old Valentino Grootetjie when they shot him in Drury Court, Lavender Hill.
The two were also declared unfit to possess firearms. They were convicted of the charges against them on June 5. Valentino had been shot and killed in drug turf wars where rival shootings occurred between the Fast Guns and the Mongrels Gang.
Hoffmeester and Isaacs were also convicted of the attempted murders of Wesley Kok, Olivia Stevens, Natasha Daniels, Leticia Barnes, Crystal Joseph, Derrick Strydom, Gerswin Baars, Brandon Coetzee, Dillon Wentzel, and faced two counts of illegal possession of firearms and two counts of illegal possession of ammunition.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the two were convicted for being in contravention of Section 9(2)(a) read with sections 1, 10, and 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca).
'They were sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for contravention of Section 9(2)(a) read with sections 1, 10, and 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998, life imprisonment for Grootetjie's murder, 10 years direct imprisonment for each of the nine counts of attempted murder (90 years direct imprisonment), five years direct imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and three years direct imprisonment for illegal possession of ammunition. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
'State advocate Leon Snyman proved that the accused were members of the Fast Guns gang who were engaged in drug turf wars with the Mongrels Gang in Lavender Hill and surrounding areas. On 21 December 2019, members of the Mongrels Gang gathered at 37 Drury Court, Lavender Hill, for a 'pela post' where people congregate to smoke and socialise.
'It is in the territory of the Mongrel Gang. Stevens and Barnes were at 36 Drury Court, Lavender Hill. The deceased stayed with his parents at 37 Drury Court, Lavender Hill, and was playing in the yard when a bullet struck his head,' said Ntabazalila.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In the State's case, an eyewitness pinned Hofmeester as the shooter after they saw him shooting at 37 Drury Court.
'Kok, a member of the Mongrels Gang, was the target of the shooting incident and was one of the victims of attempted murder. Ballistic evidence collected on the scene showed that two firearms were used during the shooting. During the six-week trial, Advocate Snyman called eight witnesses, including the deceased's parents, Patrick Kotze and Romana Grootetjie, Stevens, Barnes, and four police officers – a previous investigator, the current investigator, a gang expert, and a ballistics expert. A trial-within-a-trial was held where the accused unsuccessfully challenged the admissibility of their warning statements,' said Ntabazalila.
In her judgment, Judge Melanie Holderness agreed with the State that the accused did not show remorse, failed to engage with the court, and downplayed the seriousness of the offences, appearing bored during the trial.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, lamented the loss of an innocent life of a child due to the scourge of gangsterism that is holding many communities in the Cape Flats at ransom, with many children being caught in the crossfire of gang shootings.
'It can never be emphasised how important human life is, and therefore we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to murderers,' the NPA said.
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the Western Cape police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile commended the work of the investigating and prosecution teams for ensuring that justice was served.
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Well-connected? Thabo Bester claims to know these celebs
With his charm and gift of the gab, Thabo Bester has repeatedly deceived the public into believing he was a hotshot businessman. The convicted criminal is also thought to be well-connected to several celebrities and politicians who have directly or indirectly crossed paths with him. Thabo and his co-accused, former girlfriend Nandipha Magudumana and seven others, are facing a slew of charges, including aiding his 2022 prison escape, running fraudulent businesses, and violating multiple bodies. His trial is set to begin on 10 November at the Bloemfontein High Court. In 2023, Thabo Bester was first linked to celebrity aesthetics doctor Nandipha Magudumana. However, his 'contact list' reportedly contains many more prominent names… Through his own admission and via media reports, these celebrities' names have been linked to Thabo Bester… In 2012, a year after his sentencing for rape and murder, Pearl Thusi went public about coming came face to face with the man dubbed the 'Facebook Rapist' in a chilling encounter. In a police affidavit shown to Sunday World , the star revealed how she had survived an attack by the convict. Pearl allegedly introduced Bester to actor Tumisho Masha and later singer-turned-preacher Kabelo Mabalane. Masha later told the media that Thabo Bester was a 'textbook definition of a psychopath'. In a letter written from prison in 2013, Bester claimed he had been 'abandoned' by his celebrity pals and wrote about feeling 'loneliness, rejection, and judgment.' In the letter, Thabo Bester name-dropped a reported friendship with media personality Bonang Matheba. Addressing the star directly, Bester wrote: 'I was the one who believed in you from the days of UJ (University of Johannesburg). Through me, you got your dream job. From that Fiat to Mini, I was with you.' Thabo Bester once claimed to be close friends with Bonang Matheba. Images via YouTube screenshot/ Instagram: @bonang_m He added: 'It's ok because God knows me, and I love you as a sister in God…Bonang, God bless you with more work'. Bonang reportedly clapped back at Bester's wild allegations. She told the media: 'This is bizarre because I don't know him at all.' In investigations published by GroundUp, Thabo Bester ran an elaborate, multi-million rand scam while in prison. Under an alleged accomplice – he registered an event and production company called 21st Century Media in 2018. This, while he was imprisoned at the Magaung Correctional Centre for his murder and rape sentence. The company held a grand launch party at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, attended by celebs like Amanda du Pont, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and politician Mzwanele Manyi. Bester – using the alias Tom Motsepe – told his company employees and the public that he was based in New York. He also claimed that he was related to SA billionaire Patrice Motsepe. In a video clip that has since gone viral, Nomzamo Mbatha and Thabile Ngwato were captured singing Happy Birthday to 'Tom,' who was seen laughing via a video link. Following his rearrest in 2023 alongside Nandipha Magudumana, Thabo Bester's name was once again linked to several more high-profile people. On the X platform, actress Simz Ngema and businesswoman Shauwn 'MaMkhize' Mkhize were accused of visiting Bester in prison. Both women vehemently denied the allegations of knowing the criminal. Simphiwe Simz Ngema clapped back at allegations linking her to convicted criminal Thabo Bester. Images via Instagram: @simzngema/ Twitter: @am_blujay The same year, a seemingly Photoshopped image of Bester with former president Jacob Zuma went viral on social media. Ironically, the Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi – who labelled the image a 'malicious attempt to tarnish the former president' – has been criticised for being duped by Bester years earlier. In 2018, Thabo Bester's fraudulent company, 21st Century Media, posted images of an event titled the 'Women In Media Conference.' The event had a star-studded line-up: Bonang Matheba was booked as the MC, and US actresses Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, and singer Ashanti were advertised as speakers. Local actress and media mogul Connie Ferguson and presenter Claire Mawisa were also billed to appear. But things took a turn for the worse when the women were alerted to the scam a month before the event. They have all denied being booked for the event. In 2023, investigative reporter Karen Maughan told Newzroom Afrika that a 'well-known celebrity' was linked to Thabo Bester. She alleged that a 'billionaire' businesswoman had visited Bester at the Mangaung Correctional Centre. 'We've been phoning a number of the people who've been visiting him, and a number of the people he listed as contacts – including a very well-known celebrity, who we know. We've seen her on TV', she said. She added: 'He was receiving visits from a woman who he claims to be this successful billionaire after the start of his relationship with Nandipha, which began in 2017'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
South African Post Bank scam leader appeals conviction and sentence
One of the ringleaders in a South African Post Bank scam turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal against one of his convictions and against what he deems to be a harsh sentence Image: Supplied One of the ringleaders behind a South African Post Bank scam, which targeted clients' bank accounts, turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal to appeal against the fact that he was twice convicted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca), based on the same facts. He is also appealing against his 40-year imprisonment, which he says is shockingly harsh. In 2015, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, sentenced nine fraudsters involved in the scam to an effective 1,680 years combined for defrauding the Post Bank, forgery and uttering, money laundering, and stealing from unsuspecting persons' accounts, as well as racketeering. Isaac Dithlakanyane, an enterprise owner and one of the main characters behind the scam, was sentenced to 50 years in jail. This was later reduced on appeal before the high court to 40 years behind bars. He colluded with eight Post Bank employees to open fraudulent accounts and deposit fraudulent pension pay-outs and stolen cheques. Dithlakanyane stole an amount of R2.2 million from the Post Bank, and he was convicted on 76 counts. Dithlakanyane turned to the SCA in a bid to have one of his convictions under Poca set aside, as he said the second conviction under this Act is based on the same set of facts and evidence, and it amounts to a splitting of convictions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He earlier received a sentence of 30 years in jail for the Poca conviction, which he now says is a duplicate charge. Dithlakanyane submitted that it was not only in the interests of justice for him, but for the prosecution and society at large for the appeal to be considered on this narrow question of law. The trial court earlier heard evidence that Dithlakanyane was part of a criminal enterprise which focused on looting the South African Post Bank. Corrupt Post Office employees were used as 'agents' who would identify bank accounts from which the members of the criminal enterprise could steal. Once they had identified the accounts with a sufficient credit balance, they would forward the information to Dithlakanyane. He then procured various documents, such as forged identification documents. A 'runner' was then chosen, who was prepared to falsely claim to be the account holder of the targeted account. The runner would then present the false documents to the Post Office Bank with demands for monies from genuine accounts. The evidence led during the trial showed that Dithlakanyane managed the criminal enterprise which preyed upon account holders. The SCA said it was clear from the evidence that Dithlakanyane was closely linked in time and place to the fraudulent transactions. However, the court found that he cannot be convicted on two Poca charges, based on the same evidence. The SCA subsequently overturned the first Poca conviction for which he had received 30 years.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Justice at last for slain Valentino Grootetjie, 5
Valentino Grootetjie, 5, was shot and killed in Drury Court, Lavender Hill, in 2019. His two killers - Carlo Hofmeester and Chadwin Isaacs - who shot him in the head during a drug turf war, were sentenced to a life sentence each at the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday. Image: Supplied / Archive THE Western Cape High Court has sentenced gang members Carlo Hofmeester and Chadwin Isaacs to life imprisonment for the murder of five-year-old Valentino Grootetjie when they shot him in Drury Court, Lavender Hill. The two were also declared unfit to possess firearms. They were convicted of the charges against them on June 5. Valentino had been shot and killed in drug turf wars where rival shootings occurred between the Fast Guns and the Mongrels Gang. Hoffmeester and Isaacs were also convicted of the attempted murders of Wesley Kok, Olivia Stevens, Natasha Daniels, Leticia Barnes, Crystal Joseph, Derrick Strydom, Gerswin Baars, Brandon Coetzee, Dillon Wentzel, and faced two counts of illegal possession of firearms and two counts of illegal possession of ammunition. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the two were convicted for being in contravention of Section 9(2)(a) read with sections 1, 10, and 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca). 'They were sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for contravention of Section 9(2)(a) read with sections 1, 10, and 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998, life imprisonment for Grootetjie's murder, 10 years direct imprisonment for each of the nine counts of attempted murder (90 years direct imprisonment), five years direct imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and three years direct imprisonment for illegal possession of ammunition. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently. 'State advocate Leon Snyman proved that the accused were members of the Fast Guns gang who were engaged in drug turf wars with the Mongrels Gang in Lavender Hill and surrounding areas. On 21 December 2019, members of the Mongrels Gang gathered at 37 Drury Court, Lavender Hill, for a 'pela post' where people congregate to smoke and socialise. 'It is in the territory of the Mongrel Gang. Stevens and Barnes were at 36 Drury Court, Lavender Hill. The deceased stayed with his parents at 37 Drury Court, Lavender Hill, and was playing in the yard when a bullet struck his head,' said Ntabazalila. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In the State's case, an eyewitness pinned Hofmeester as the shooter after they saw him shooting at 37 Drury Court. 'Kok, a member of the Mongrels Gang, was the target of the shooting incident and was one of the victims of attempted murder. Ballistic evidence collected on the scene showed that two firearms were used during the shooting. During the six-week trial, Advocate Snyman called eight witnesses, including the deceased's parents, Patrick Kotze and Romana Grootetjie, Stevens, Barnes, and four police officers – a previous investigator, the current investigator, a gang expert, and a ballistics expert. A trial-within-a-trial was held where the accused unsuccessfully challenged the admissibility of their warning statements,' said Ntabazalila. In her judgment, Judge Melanie Holderness agreed with the State that the accused did not show remorse, failed to engage with the court, and downplayed the seriousness of the offences, appearing bored during the trial. Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, lamented the loss of an innocent life of a child due to the scourge of gangsterism that is holding many communities in the Cape Flats at ransom, with many children being caught in the crossfire of gang shootings. 'It can never be emphasised how important human life is, and therefore we will be vigorous in our pursuit of these cases to serve as a deterrent to murderers,' the NPA said. Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the Western Cape police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile commended the work of the investigating and prosecution teams for ensuring that justice was served. Cape Times
