No bail for ‘Bubbles’: Court rules Cape Town gang leader’s release could lead to more violence

Moegamat ‘Bubbles’ Brown at the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on 7 May 2024. Picture: Gallo Images / Theo Jeptha The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town has denied bail to alleged gang leader Moegamat “Bubbles” Brown, finding that releasing him could lead to further violence and threaten public safety. Brown is currently on trial with 14 co-accused, including alleged underworld crime boss Nafiz Modack.

The state alleges that Brown was part of a racketeering enterprise allegedly involving criminal gangs, the Terrible West Siders (TWS) and Junky Funky Kids (JFK). Among the charges he faces are the attempted murder of criminal law attorney William Booth and the murder of Nicholaas Heerschap, whose son previously served as a Hawks investigating officer probing Modack. Brown also faces two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice.

During a bail application heard in February 2025, Brown, the leader of Woodstock-based TWS gang, argued that the state’s case against him was weak after multiple witnesses testified. He told the court that his family – including his wife and six children – had been left struggling financially since his incarceration. Before being taken into custody, Brown said he ran an informal clothing business and earned between R20 000 and R30 000 per month.

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He claimed he would be able to afford bail of R5 000 if granted. Brown also indicated that the trial could take a long time to conclude due to the numerous charges, particularly those against Modack, and argued that it was unlikely the matter would be finalised this year.

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