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The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg sentenced Fastgun gang brothers Leon and Martin Breda to life imprisonment for the 2023 murder of Anti-Gang Unit officer Warrant Officer David Morris in Westbury.
Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images
- Fastgun gang members Leon and Martin Breda were handed life sentences by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
- They were convicted of the 2023 murder of Anti-Gang Unit member Warrant Officer David Morris.
- The brothers ambushed Morris in Westbury while he was investigating a murder case, using a stolen Renault Clio to carry out the fatal shooting.
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg handed two members of the notorious Fastgun gang in Westbury life sentences on Tuesday.
Brothers Leon and Martin Breda were convicted of the brutal murder of Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit member Warrant Officer David Morris, who was based in Sophiatown, Johannesburg.
The incident occurred in September 2023, when Morris, 40, was investigating the murder of Cornly Hein in Westbury.
Morris had visited the Hein’s home with plans to return later to collect statements. He was being escorted to his vehicle by two family members when occupants of a Renault Clio opened fire on them.
Morris was shot dead, while Valentino Hein was injured and hospitalised. A third individual narrowly escaped physical harm.
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According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the Renault Clio, later identified as a stolen vehicle, was recovered three days after the attack, hidden in a garage.
She said investigations led to the Breda brothers, who were arrested on 15 October 2023 on an unrelated drug possession charge.
“Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit executed the murder warrants while the suspects were still in custody in Sophiatown,” Mogale said. “They subsequently appeared in the Brixton Magistrate’s Court and the Newlands Magistrate’s Court.”
Leon received two life sentences, while Martin received one life term.
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The court heard that the murder was a calculated attack on law enforcement to thwart efforts to dismantle gang activity in the area.
The Hawks’ acting national head, Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, applauded the investigators and the prosecution team for their dedication to ensuring justice.
“The Hawks remain steadfast in executing its mandate and upholding the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa without fear, favour or prejudice,” he said.
