A former cop who has been labelled the “Mamma of the JCY gang” by police nearly got her bail revoked when she arrived late at court yesterday.
As Penny Ventura’s 10 co-accused took their place in the dock at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court, officials noted her absence.
Ventura, a paraplegic, was then quickly wheeled into court by a cop.
The suspected merchant, who had once been stationed at Lentegeur Police Station, was last year arrested with 10 alleged gang hitmen who are facing 50 charges including six murders, attempted murders, the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and crimes under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
Ventura was granted R1000 bail in December, along with two other accused, one who is also wheelchair-bound.
The trio have been prohibited from entering Mitchells Plain and are only allowed to attend their court cases.
Ventura was shot twice, once in 2018 and last year, at her home in Lentegeur.
CASE: Penny Ventura and accused face 50 charges
The matter was set down for an identity parade that was postponed to February 10 and the suspects may not be
identified until it is completed.
Meanwhile, the other paraplegic accused claims he is being framed.
“I was shot over 30 times in one year and last year when they shot me in the neck and back I was left paralysed,” he said.
“I was out on bail and I was not supposed to be in Mitchells Plain, but I was here because I had to be at the maintenance court.
“I am not going to lie to you, I was part of the gang but I changed when I got married.
“Now they say I did all these things but I did not, I think they just want to put the blame on me. It was hard for me inside prison because I am in a wheelchair.”