Mafia gang ‘Bully boys’ back in court
The teens were arrested and charged with common assault.
TWO ‘bully boys’, believed to be members of a group called ‘The Mafia Gang’ at Suid-Natal High in Port Shepstone appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court last Friday. Marnus Marais (18) and George Labuschagne (19), were arrested and charged with common assault, after they allegedly assaulted a class pupil last year. The teens, who completed matric last year, will appear in court again on March 14. The state will proceed against Mr Labuschagne, and a trial date is expected to be set at his next court appearance.
With regards to Mr Marais’s case, a decision was made in consultation with the state, defence attorney and the victim’s representative to refer him to undertake the non-government programme (NGO), Khulisa Social Solutions. Khulisa works with a variety of role-players including corporations, NGOs and government to co-ordinate and facilitate projects that engage poverty alleviation, crime reduction, victim empowerment, enterprise development and community upliftment. If Mr Marais successfully completes the programme and pays compensation to the victim’s parents, charges will be dropped.
The case involving the third ‘bully’, Jan-Louw van der Sandt (18), was settled outside of court last year. Mr van der Sandt appeared in court, but the case was withdrawn. Mr van der Sandt apologised to the victim’s parents, as he did not want to have a criminal record, and it was his first assault case. It was arranged that the victim’s parents be compensated.
