The former cop who was nabbed with 10 gang hitmen has been dubbed “the Mamma of the JCY gang” by police, who on Monday revealed that she resorted to using a false name to protect herself after she was shot and left paralysed.
Penelope “Penny” Ventura was wheeled into the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court where the group’s bail application continued.
A catheter and other medical pipes could be spotted under her clothing.
Police have confirmed that her co-accused are all members of the notorious Junior Cisko Yakkies gang, with one suspect brazenly sporting a JCY tjappie on his voorkop.
They are facing 50 charges, including six murders, several attempted murders, the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and several charges relating to the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
Ventura’s 10 co-accused may not be named until a formal identity parade is conducted.
Ventura, who was arrested last month, was previously a cop stationed at Mitchells Plain Police Station.
It is alleged she left the force to mert for the JCY gang.
Ventura was shot and wounded twice, in 2018 and this year in Lentegeur, while her home was also petrol-bombed.
On Monday, the affidavit of the investigating officer, Detective Scholtz, was read into evidence by the Senior State prosecutor, Advocate Albert Isaacs.
Scholtz profiled each of the accused, stating that they were considered flight risks who would probably kill more people if released on bail.
He said Ventura faced a string of charges dating back to 2017, and had been targeted by rival skollies who seem determined to take her out.
He said she was a “skilled criminal” who owned a firearm and appeared to have a mole in the police force.
“She is very feared by the community,” Scholtz statement read.
“When I arrested her, she said who the State witness is. She will interfere (with the witness).
“She is the Mamma of the JCY gang in Mitchells Plain.
“She is a paraplegic and the second time she was shot, people thought she was dead.
“When she was in hospital, she had to use a false name because they would come for her.”
At these, Ventura shook her head and banged her hands on the dock.
Scholtz said the 11 accused shot and killed Faiza Hendricks in September 2017 in Hibiscus Street, Lentegeur, after she had stolen their drugs.
BLOODY: Faiza Hendricks shot dead in her Lentegeur shack
Faiza had five children, the youngest aged two.
He said the turf war between the JCY and Fancy Boys gangs had caused much bloodshed.
“They (the 10 accused) are the hitmen of the JCY gang and outside they caused a lot of unrest and gang violence, by keeping them inside we will be keeping the community safe.
“If they are granted bail, they will kill again, intimidate witnesses, go into hiding and being gangsters is their occupation.”
The matter will continue on Wednesday for closing
arguments.