Brothers jailed for Westbury shootings that killed police officer and another man

Two brothers from Westbury have been sentenced in connection with gang-related shooting incidents that killed two people, including a police officer. Martin, 25, and Leon Breda, 27, were convicted of two counts of murder, six counts of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and dealing in drugs. This week, the High Court in Pretoria handed each accused a life term for murder, seven years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, two years for unlawful possession of ammunition, and four years for dealing in drugs.

One of the brothers was further sentenced to an additional life imprisonment for the murder of the police officer. In addition, the court sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment for each of the five counts of attempted murder, five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and two years for unlawful possession of ammunition. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the Breda brothers’ case stems from a 24 September 2023 incident, when they opened fire on a group of people gathered around a fire in Westbury, Johannesburg.

The rounds killed Cornely Hein and injured another person. According to investigations by Warrant Officer Baloyi, Martin and Leon acted with an accomplice. The shooting was linked to gang rivalry and competition over drug dealing between the Fast Guns and Varados gangs.

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They launched another attack later that day, Mohlatlole said. “Later that same day, while Warrant Officer David Morris of the South African Police Service Anti-Gang Unit was investigating the earlier murder, the second accused arrived at the scene with three unknown assailants and opened fire recklessly,” he said.

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