BAIL DENIED FOR FIVE ACCUSED IN GQEBERHA VIOLENT CRIME SPREE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed bail for five men accused of committing a string of violent crimes in Gqeberha in October 2024. The charges against the accused include robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and rape.
The accused – Nazeem Jassen (18), Senathemba Ntyikala (25), Riaan Langford (35), Cameron Jacobs (27), and Dane Van Zyl (24) – were arrested between October and December 2024 following an intensive investigation by the Mount Road SAPS. The charges relate to a brutal attack near Sydenham Lake, Milner Avenue, on Saturday, 12 October 2024, during which a man was fatally stabbed, another sustained serious injury, and two female victims were kidnapped and sexually assaulted.
District Court Prosecutor Asavela Dweba opposed the bail applications, arguing that the seriousness and violent nature of the offences, the risk of flight, and the danger the accused poses to the public warranted continued detention. She also highlighted the trauma suffered by the surviving victims and the potential for witness intimidation or interference with the investigation. The court agreed with the State, ruling that the accused failed to present any compelling personal circumstances justifying their release and noting that the case against them is strong.
As a result, bail was denied for all five accused. Their criminal histories are as follows: Nazeem Jassen and Senathemba Ntyikala have no previous convictions or pending cases, Riaan Langford has two prior convictions: possession of an unlicensed firearm (2018 – 5 years’ imprisonment) and possession of ammunition (2020 – 3 years’ imprisonment, suspended for 5 years), Cameron Jacobs faces pending charges from 2022 for assault (common) and contravention of a protection order and Dane Van Zyl has a pending charge of robbery (common).
The matter has been postponed to 14 August 2025 for further investigation. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are brought to account.
