Two gang members sentenced to life imprisonment for k!lling pregnant woman in South Africa

Two gang members, Jeremia Fortuin and Ricardo Cloete, linked to the Ferodo gang, have been sentenced to life in prison in South Africa for the murder of 21-year-old Shahida Nathan, who was eight months pregnant, along with additional sentences exceeding 100 years each.

The Western Cape High Court found them guilty of multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, gang membership, and, in Fortuin’s case, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In June 2020, the pair opened fire on a shack in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein, mistakenly believing rival gang members were inside, but instead Nathan and six others were present, enjoying a meal.

Nathan was killed instantly, while two men, aged 29 and 37, were injured in the attack. The court heard that Fortuin and Cloete had chased Alfredo Titus and Ridwaan Smith, members of the Mobster gang, into the property, but incorrectly targeted the shack where the victims were sitting.

Both defendants denied being at the scene, claiming intoxication or drug use, but the court rejected their alibis, ruling that the state had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hearsay evidence, including statements from two deceased witnesses, was admitted during the trial to support the prosecution’s case.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Nicolette Bell praised the investigation and prosecution team for removing two dangerous criminals from the community.