[imagesource:wikicommons]

The trial of the alleged gang leader and an affiliate of Nafiz Modack, Moegamat Toufiek Brown, descended into chaos at the Western Cape High Court this Tuesday when the gang boss attacked one of his henchmen accused of ratting out the boss.

Shortly before new evidence regarding the assassination attempt of attorney William Booth was introduced, Brown was outed by another State witness as the leader of the Terrible West Siders gang. During proceedings on Tuesday, the State entered a plea statement submitted by Brown’s co-accused and alleged henchman, Riyaat Gesant, into evidence.

The snitching allegedly led to Brown attacking Gesant.

Gesant, who has already been sentenced for the attempted hit on Booth several years ago, was convicted alongside Ebrahim Deare and Brown’s wife, Kauthar.

The trio were charged with aiding and abetting the activities of a gang, conspiracy to commit murder and the attempted murder of the attorney. Deare was further charged with unlawfully possessing a gun and ammo. The five-year sentence suspension for Kauthar was imposed.

For the attempted murder, Kauthar was also given a three-year sentence of correctional monitoring; Deare received a ten-year sentence, and Gesant received a five-year sentence.

Deare was to be the hitman, and Kauthar would supply the getaway car for a State witness who would be dropped off outside Booth’s house with Deare and Gesant in tow.

Judge Robert Henney adjourned the court for the new State witness, who is testifying via an online meeting, but within seconds of leaving the courtroom, Brown was seen hitting Gesant with a fist in the face as tempers flared in the dock.

One of Brown’s co-accused tried to intervene in the fight, while Nafiz Modack and Zane Kilian reportedly just ‘jumped out of the way’. Best to stay out of it we suppose. Brown was also seen throwing his watch at his wife, who was seated in the gallery.

Speaking to the defendants, Judge Henney threatened to have those involved in the fight chained in shackles throughout the trial if the fighting persisted.

The trial/fight continues.

[source:iol]