The case against a 22-year-old alleged gangster, charged with the murder of 2-year-old Hakeem Baartman was postponed in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Tuesday for a possible plea and sentencing agreement.
The 22-year-old Marshall Thomas made a brief appearance in court. He has been charged with the toddler’s November 2017 killing.
His lawyer, Johan van der Spuy asked the court that the case is postponed for a possible plea deal.
Baartman was in Helenvale in an area called 'Die Gat' when gang violence erupted. The child was hit in the head by a stray bullet and died at the scene.
A 17-year-old, who was Thomas' initial target, sustained a gunshot wound in the neck.
Police apprehended Thomas nearly six months later, whilst drinking at a tavern in Gelvandale.
He is facing a charge of murder and attempted murder as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police said at the time that the incident was gang-related as Thomas is a member of a well-known gang in the Northern Areas.
The case was postponed until Thursday.
-African News Agency (ANA),
