NPA AND HAWKS COLLABORATION YIELDS RESULTS AS GANG MEMBER RECEIVES 25-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE

The collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has resulted in the successful prosecution of a gang member who stored firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs on behalf of a criminal gang. The Bellville Regional Court sentenced Marwan Alexander to 25 years' direct imprisonment after convicting him on charges including contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), unlawful possession of firearms, possession of prohibited firearms with serial numbers removed, unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful possession of explosives, dealing in drugs, and money laundering.

Alexander was convicted of contravening section 9(1)(a), read with sections 1, 10 and 11 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998, for being a member of the Fancy Boys and/or Young Fancy Boys gang and for furthering the objectives of the gang by unlawfully storing, transporting, supplying and distributing firearms, ammunition, explosives and drugs. The charges arose from his possession of firearms, ammunition, six hand grenades, 50 945 mandrax tablets, and approximately R1.79 million that constituted proceeds derived from unlawful activities involving the sale of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs.

In terms of a plea and sentencing agreement, Alexander admitted that, during May 2024, the late gang leader Marvin September approached him regarding plans to establish a breakaway gang known as the Young Fancy Boys, which would operate independently from the Fancy Boys gang. Alexander understood that the new gang was intended to expand criminal activities, increase financial gains, and gain control over additional territory.

To finance and establish the splinter gang, members acting under September's instruction began appropriating money, firearms, drugs, and other assets from the Fancy Boys gang.

Before his death, September instructed Alexander to secure a storage facility that could not be linked to him or any member of his family. Alexander subsequently asked his daughter to rent a storage unit situated at the corner of Peter Barlow and Kasselsvlei Roads in Bellville South. His daughter was unaware of the true purpose of the facility and did not know the items being stored there.

The storage unit was thereafter used by gang members to store firearms, ammunition, drugs, explosives, and other items. Alexander admitted that he knowingly participated in these activities by transporting and storing the contraband with the intention of facilitating its distribution to members of the Young Fancy Boys gang. He further acknowledged that his actions were intended to advance the gang's activities and assist in expanding its influence and territorial control.

He also admitted that CCTV footage captured before and on 03 March 2025 depicted him and another individual transferring ammunition, explosives, and drugs from a vehicle into the storage facility for temporary storage. Through these actions, he facilitated the gang's use of the facility to store firearms, ammunition, explosives and mandrax tablets.

Alexander was arrested on 03 March 2025 when he visited the storage facility to remove firearms, ammunition, explosives and the 50 945 mandrax tablets for distribution to members of the Young Fancy Boys gang. The police seized the firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs during the operation.

In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Christian De Jongh submitted that these offences present significant challenges for law enforcement and the administration of justice. He argued that the seriousness and circumstances of the crimes required a sentence that would protect society from organised criminal activity.

Adv De Jongh emphasised that the pervasive presence of criminal gangs in many communities undermines public safety and community well-being, while the increasing possession and misuse of firearms continue to contribute to high levels of violent crime.

Acting Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Adrian Mopp, commended the prosecution and investigation teams, particularly Senior State Advocate De Jongh and Captain Alfred Prins of the Hawks. "Criminal gang activities pose a serious threat to public safety and undermine the rights enshrined in our Constitution. They create fear and intimidation within communities, often resulting in physical harm to law-abiding citizens. Gang activity threatens public order, economic stability, and social cohesion.

"The collaboration between the NPA and the Hawks continues to yield positive results. It is often extremely difficult for law enforcement agencies to prove the direct involvement of gang members in organised criminal activities. I wish to commend Captain Prins for his outstanding investigation, which ultimately sealed the fate of the accused and led to the discovery of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs.

"We look forward to the next phase of the prosecutor-guided investigation as efforts continue to identify the source of the firearms and explosives and bring those responsible to justice."

Issued by:

Eric Ntabazalila

Regional Communications Manager – Western Cape

National Prosecuting Authority