Gang Member Sentenced To 33 Years Imprisonment For Murder And Attempted Murders Of Rival Gang Members

A Junky Funky Kids gang member has been sentenced to effective thirty-three years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to murdering members of rival gangs over a fight for dealing in drugs and the broadening of the drug dealing territory. Shannon Miranda 34 pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the activities of the Junky Funky Kids gang, a count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and two counts of illegal possession of ammunition. 

He confessed in his plea and sentencing agreement, that on 25 July 2017, he was walking with a fellow gang member when they saw Roscoe Smith, on Citrus Street, Bonteheuwel. He shot Smith, a member of the American gang, in the mouth and they ran away. He was arrested on 17 October 2017. He confirmed that the shooting was gang-related and formed part of the ongoing fights between the JFK and the American gang.

On 18 August 2020, he was walking with another gang member, when they came across Shayani Kamalie. While talking to Kamalie, they spotted a Fancy Boys gang member, Riyaaz Samaai, Miranda called Samaai over, and they all walked to the field behind Bonteheuwel High School. He had his arm around Samaai as they continued walking, then took out a firearm and shot Samaai several times. He fell to the ground, and Miranda fired another shot whilst the deceased was on the ground. Samaai died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Kamalie shouted at Miranda, and the fellow gang member and threw stones at them. An unnamed fellow gang member fired a shot at Kamalie, and Miranda was arrested on 19 August 2020. 

Arguing for sentence, Adv. Frank van Heerden, told the court that Miranda displayed brutal and callous behaviour during the commission of the offences. The offence was committed with direct intent. The increasing possession and abuse of firearms contribute to the high levels of violent crimes in our communities. Criminal gang activities pose a security threat and infringe the rights of people as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Gang activities bring about fear and intimidation to law-abiding citizens, and often cause them physical harm, he argued.

The court sentenced Miranda to 88 years imprisonment but ordered all the sentences to run concurrently, with the 33 years imprisonment imposed for Samaai’s murder. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm and ordered the police to seize all firearms and ammunition, including any licences, permits or authorizations for the possession of such firearms and ammunition that may be in the possession of the accused.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape, Adv. Nicolette Bell commended the investigating and prosecution team for their work and securing a good sentence that will send a clear message to gangs that their activities and actions which bring fear to communities will not be tolerated in will result in them spending a long time in prison.

Note: The NPA’s media statements are available on the website: www.npa.gov.za

Issued by:

Eric Ntabazalila

National Prosecuting Authority

Regional Communications Manager

Western Cape

Tel: (021) 487 7308Mobile: 073 062 1222

Email: entabazalila@npa.gov.za