The trial of the four men accused of killing three people near the offices of the Intercape bus services in Gqeberha will kick off in the city's high court on Tuesday.
Neavan du Preez, 36, Jody Cloete, 29, Austin Augustus, 25, and Justin van Rensburg, 28, face a slew of charges, including murder, attempted murder, theft of a motor vehicle, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
On the day of the shooting, the three were allegedly dropped off by van Rensburg, who is said to have been the getaway driver.
The state alleges that they waited for their victims to arrive at the bus company's offices in Perridgevale before they shot and killed Jonathan Bruintjies, Rochelle van Zyl, and bystander Fortune Nyathi, on Good Friday 2021.
Bruintjies and van Zyl were allegedly targeted over an ongoing gang dispute over territory.
The accused are allegedly members of the "Mechanics/Hondekoppe" gang, while Bruintjies was a member of the "Narries" gang.
Also read: Bail denied for suspects arrested for Good Friday shooting in Gqeberha
According to the charge sheet, Bruintjies and van Zyl bought their bus tickets at Intercape and then walked to a nearby shop to buy snacks.
As they were returning the three accused approached them and opened fire.
Nyathi was struck as he was walking just a few meters behind them.
Shortly after the shooting, police spotted their getaway vehicle in Newton Park where the fleeing suspects opened fire on the police and managed to evade arrest shortly after the shooting.
Their car came to a standstill after hitting a pole in Schauderville, with men fleeing in different directions.
Du Preez and Cloete were apprehended in Highfield Road, each allegedly in possession of a firearm, while their co-accused were arrested three months later.
Also read: Two more arrested - in prison - for triple murder on Easter Friday
Video evidence will be produced in court by state advocate Mujaahid Sandan when the case resumes on Tuesday.
