After nearly two years an alleged gang boss from Parkwood will finally go on trial for the murder of a seven-year-old boy who was struck during a gang shooting.
Alleged Junky Funkys gang leader, Tasliem “Thaliem” Bianchi, along with four co-accused appeared in the Cape High Court on Friday where they were informed that their trial would commence on 6 May.
Ezra Daniels was killed on 3 September 2017 when a bullet intended for a gangster hit him in the neck while he was playing in Abdullah Moosa Walk in Parkwood.
His death sparked a riot as residents marched and threw bricks at Thaliem’s home, calling for him to be placed behind bars.
Thaliem, along with brother Ikeraam Bianchi, Marlon Neehuis, Kimberley Solomons and Kelly Daniels were arrested for Ezra’s murder shortly after the shooting.
The pre-trial hearings were brought to a halt in 2018 as Taliem lodged an urgent bail application.
This was later denied and he was sent back to Pollsmoor Prison, along with Ikeraam and Neehuis.
According to the indictment they face one count of murder, two attempted murders, 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 also states that they planned to kill a member of a rival gang during a drive-by shooting, but the bullet struck Ezra who was playing with Neehuis’s son. A primer residue test conducted showed positive results for Taliem.
The trial will commence on 6 May and is expected to run until 23 May.