Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of a pregnant woman caught in gang crossfire, highlighting the ongoing violence in Cape Flats communities. Picture Credit: Protectionweb
By Aisha Zardad
Western Cape — Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of an eight-months-pregnant woman, in a case that has once again exposed the devastating impact of gang violence in the Cape Flats.
The Western Cape High Court on Tuesday handed down life sentences to Jeremiah Fortuin and Ricardo Cloete for the 2020 murder of 21-year-old Shahieda Nathan.
The pair, linked to the Ferodos gang operating in Kraaifontein, were also convicted on multiple charges including six counts of attempted murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The court heard that Nathan was not the intended target when she was killed on 21 June 2020. She was inside a shack on Klipbok Street — a known gang hotspot — along with six others when gunfire erupted during what was believed to be a retaliatory attack against a rival group.
Presiding judge Nonthuthuzelo Ralarala described the crime as an “abhorrent act of violence” that continues to plague communities across the Cape Flats.
In her judgment, Ralarala highlighted the accused’s long criminal histories, noting that both men had previous convictions dating back decades. Despite multiple opportunities for rehabilitation, she said, they chose to continue down a path of crime.
The court also heard that Fortuin had allegedly been involved in drug-related activities in the community after a previous release from prison.
Throughout the trial, both men maintained their innocence, denying involvement in the shooting and disputing claims of gang affiliation. However, the court found the State had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Ralarala emphasised that the sentence needed to reflect society’s outrage, particularly given that the victims were attacked in what should have been a place of safety.
“The victims were attacked in their homes, where they were meant to be safe,” she said, adding that the accused showed no remorse or accountability for their actions.
The killing of Nathan — who was weeks away from giving birth — has become a stark symbol of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of gang warfare, as communities continue to grapple with ongoing violence in the region.
