The second man who
pleaded guilty for the
murder of Ezra Daniels from
Parkwood last week took the stand on Monday and begged the court for a second chance.
Marlon Neehuis, 28, made
admissions last week in the
Western Cape High Court about his
involvement which led to the death of seven-year-old Ezra, who was struck in the neck by a bullet intended for a gangster in Abdulla Moosa Walk in September 2017.
On Thursday, Ikeraam Bianchi,
Kimberly Solomons and Kelly Daniels were all acquitted by Judge Rosheni Allie after the State failed to prove their involvement in the murder.
The group was charged with 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.
Neehuis entered into a plea and sentencing
agreement with the State, following in the footsteps of Tasliem “Thaliem” Bianchi, 33, the leader of the JFK gang in Parkwood, who was sentenced to 25 years behind bars for Ezra’s murder two weeks ago.
Dressed in a red and white checked shirt and chinos, a nervous looking Neehuis, who was a first-time offender, told the court he was a father of four and apologised for his role in Ezra’s death.
Neehuis drove the white VW Golf from where Bianchi shot Ezra.
He also removed his own child, who was playing with Ezra.
“I really want to apologise. I was never involved with gangsterism in my life,” he testified.
“I am remorseful of what happened to Ezra.”
APOLOGY: Marlon Neehuis took a plea deal for Ezra’s murder
But he remains adamant he didn’t know Thaliem had, had a gun and “would never have allowed” him into the car had he known.
“I would like to ask the court for a second chance in life so I can be a changed person and never get involved again with the wrong friends.
“Before the incident, I only started speaking to Thaliem for three months. I was never in any gang activities, I was always at work,” a desperate Neehuis testified.
When State prosecutor, Ronelle Stone, asked
whether he ever said sorry to Ezra’s family, he responded: “I was going to send my mother and my sister, but I was scared it would affect the case.”
His twin sister,
Melissa, also took the stand,
saying her brother was not a
skollie and begged the court not to place him in jail
with Thaliem.
“I do ask the court that if Marlon gets sentenced if he could go to a different jail than Thaliem. His life may be in danger,” she said.
“I see the State has not made much effort in cross-examination. I expect the State to do their work thoroughly in argument,” Allie said.
The trial continues.