Heideveld shooting: 38-year sentence for one man, correctional supervision for another
Asheeq Hendricks
Image: Supplied
Two men linked to a brazen broad daylight shooting in Heideveld have been sentenced in the Wynberg Regional Court, with one receiving an effective 38-year prison term for attempted murder and firearm-related offences.
The court on sentenced 30-year-old Asheeq Hendricks to 38 years imprisonment after he was convicted on two counts of attempted murder and possession of ammunition stemming from a January 2024 shooting incident.
His co-accused, 18-year-old Lisesona Xotyeni, was sentenced to five years imprisonment, of which three years were suspended in favour of correctional supervision.
The sentencing follows, what police described as a meticulous investigation by members of the Serious Violent Crime Unit after a violent attack on two young men at the corner of Table Mountain and Plateau roads in Heideveld.
Lisesona Xotyeni
Image: Supplied
According to SAPS, the incident happened on January 25, 2024, at around 10am when Hendricks and Xotyeni allegedly arrived on a scooter before opening fire on two men, aged 19 and 21, without warning or provocation.
Police said the pair fled the scene immediately after the shooting, while investigators recovered 14 spent cartridges from the area.
“The amount of spent cartridges collected from the scene reflected the level of violence perpetrated during the attack,” police said.
Officers who were in close proximity to the scene responded after hearing gunshots and were directed by eyewitnesses towards the fleeing suspects.
The two men were eventually cornered and arrested within the Bishop Lavis policing precinct while allegedly still in possession of the firearm and ammunition.
Police credited Detective Warrant Officer Craig Keating for compiling a strong case that ultimately secured the convictions.
“Detective Warrant Officer Craig Keating meticulously pieced together the evidence, presenting a highly professional and comprehensive investigation that left the Wynberg Regional Court with no choice but to deliver a guilty verdict,” police said.
Manenberg SAPS station commander Brigadier Jayce Naidoo also commended the detective’s work, describing him as a role model whose dedication and investigative skills had left a lasting impression on n the police service and among his family.
However, concerns were also raised following the correctional supervision order handed to Xotyeni.
Police indicated that they opposed any arrangement that would allow a convicted gang-affiliated offender to serve correctional supervision at a police station.
Authorities alleged that Xotyeni is linked to the Fancy Boys gang and has allegedly been implicated in several gang-related shootings. He is currently under house arrest at his residence in Tambo Village.
“It cannot be allowed that a criminal with a murderous track record serve his correctional supervision at Manenberg Police Station or any police station for that matter,” police said.
Naidoo further stressed that the integrity and security of police stations needed to be protected for both officers and members of the public.
“The human rights of perpetrators cannot be protected at the expense of victims,” police added, while calling on the Department of Correctional Services to review the arrangement.
Police have urged anyone with information related to violent crime or cases that could lead to successful prosecution to contact Manenberg SAPS on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.