More than 1000 Hanover Park residents have signed a petition calling for a well known skollie to be kept behind bars as he appeared on murder charges.
The bail hearing for Gershwin “Dood” Benjamin, 34, at Athlone Magistrates’ Court came to a halt yesterday when it was found that the recording equipment was not working.
Benjamin, who is allegedly a member of the Dollar Kidz gang, is accused of murdering Faghmie Valentine, 21, in cold blood by shooting him in the face while visiting a friend at St. Lucia Court on 2 February.
Faghmie’s mother, who is also the chairperson of the Blomvlei Neighbourhood Watch, Sadeeka Valentine, 40, fainted when residents told her the news. Cops at the scene say Faghmie’s shoes were removed and various valuables stolen.
Dood was arrested several days after the murder by the Anti-Gang Unit.
VICTIM: Faghmie, 21. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Yesterday he appeared in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court for his bail hearing which was later postponed to 20 March.
“They told us the recording equipment was not working,” says Sadeeka.
“We went to court with a petition of 1140 signatures which the community signed asking that he not be granted bail because we believe he is a danger to our community.
“They told us to keep it for the next court appearance where we will hand it in.
“Faghmie’s death is still very hard for the family, we miss him and we still want answers from Dood. We want to know what the motive was and why he went for him,” the mother adds.