The family of seven-year-old Ezra Daniels, who was killed in Parkwood in 2017, says the State has failed them as it emerged that three of the five accused could be freed.
This after it was revealed in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday that another accused is set to enter into a plea and sentence agreement with the State.
Ezra was killed when a bullet intended for a gangster struck him in the neck as he was playing with friends in Abdullah Moosa Walk.
Tasliem “Thaliem” Bianchi, 33, the leader of the JFK gang in Parkwood, his brother Ikeraam, Marlon Neehuis, Kimberly Solomons and Kelly Daniels were arrested and charged with Ezra’s murder, as well as two attempted murders, the unlawful possession of ammunition and a firearm, and two counts of contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) for their alleged involvement in gang activity.
It is alleged that they were all in the car used in the murder and that Tasliem had shot Ezra.
On Friday, Tasliem was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years behind bars for Ezra’s murder after entering into a plea and sentencing deal.
ON TRIAL: Ikeraam Bianchi
He was also slapped with 10 years in jail for the contravention of Poca, 10 years for the two attempted murders, three years for the possession of ammunition and seven years for the possession of a firearm. The sentences are running concurrently.
The two women are currently out on bail.
On Wednesday, as the handcuffed men entered the dock, Ikeraam’s girlfriend and co-accused, Daniels, went up to him, took off his sunglasses and tucked it into his shirt.
State prosecutor, Ronelle Stone, then revealed there had been talk of a plea bargain with Neehuis, who was the driver of the vehicle.
“There have been discussions between the State and the defense and there’s an offer on the table as well as a 220 admission which was discussed with the accused,” Stone said.
FURY: Ezra’s family, mother Desiree, father Theodore and sister Chané Daniels outside the Western Cape High Court
Neehuis’ lawyer, Advocate Johnson, told the court: “The accused is in agreement thus far. We can finalise the agreement and get the agreement signed by [Thursday] morning.”
Turning to Neehuis, Judge Rosheni Allie said: “No one is bullying or forcing you. You must decide.”
She then postponed the matter to Thursday.
Outside court, Ezra’s angry father, Theodore, 53, said the State has failed his son.
“The State prosecutor is telling us that if Marlon (Neehuis) takes the deal, the other three is going to walk because she cannot prove that they had knowledge of what was going to happen that day or that Thaliem had a gun on him,” he says.
POSSIBLE PLEA DEAL: Marlon Neehuis
“The State didn’t even try. They didn’t even get to take the stand and answer for their deeds. Their lawyers are fighting for them, but the State is not fighting for us.”
Ezra’s emotional mom, Desiree, 53, said she was disappointed in the State.
“I had a lively and playful child and they just came to shoot,” the mother said.
“They [accused] are laughing. Hulle hou jollifications. We are the fools. But God is in control and what goes around comes around.”