File
Eastern Cape police have welcomed the murder conviction of a former Constable who is said to be the first EC SAPS member to be found guilty under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act as it relates to gangsterism.
Sacked police officer, Ashlyn Camphor and gang member Duwayne Williams were convicted on Friday in the Gqeberha High Court of the murders of Jason Pietersen and Zane Peters in Arcadia in January 2021.
Camphor, who was attached to the K9 unit, was later implicated in the crime and the two were arrested in February of that year.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said Camphor was found guilty on two counts of contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, two counts of murder, and two of attempted murder.
She said he was also convicted of the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, the possession of drugs, two counts related to the possession of explosives, as well as the possession of a hand grenade and ammunition.
Some of the items were found at his house in Arcadia during the arrest.
Williams in turn, was found guilty of contravening POCA, two counts of murder, two of attempted murder, as well as the possession of a firearm and ammunition.
"This is the first case in the Eastern Cape where a police official was found guilty of gangsterism (POCA Chapter 4 Section 9)," Naidu said.
The two remain in custody pending pre-sentencing proceedings, which start on 15 August.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene, welcomed the guilty verdict handed down on the two.
“As the SAPS, we welcome the guilty verdict and hope that this serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” she said.
General Mene said SAPS would “not allow the actions of a few to define our profession.”
“We will continue to make a positive impact within our communities as we are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and serving them,” she added.
