Cape Town - The Durban arms dealer accused of selling firearms to a Cape Flats gang has pleaded not guilty in the Western Cape High Court, saying he will exercise his right to remain silent.
After weeks of delays, Anderson Padayachee, accused of colluding with the Terrible Josters gang by illegally providing them with firearms, has finally gone on trial before Judge Daniel Thulare.
The owner of Anderson’s Guns and Ammo, situated in Wentworth, Durban, pleaded not guilty to 66 charges including murder, attempted murder, fraud, violating the Fire Arms Control Act and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act.
Padayachee was arrested by the Hawks in February 2021. At the time of his arrest, police seized 17 illegal firearms in George, which were in transit from Johannesburg.
Further investigation revealed the firearms were allegedly destined for Cape Town gangs. A further 44 firearms were seized from his business during the investigation process.
According to the indictment, Padayachee is facing eight murder charges and five attempted murder charges for shootings in which the firearms he allegedly supplied were used.
The court papers allege Padayachee assisted the Terrible Josters between August 2017 and May 2019.
The areas of these killings include
Bonteheuwel, Kalksteenfontein and Lotus River, among others.
Standing before Judge Thulare, Padayachee yesterday pleaded not guilty to all the charges and did not submit a plea explanation.
Addressing the judge, State prosecutor, Christiaan de Jongh, said they would bring various witnesses, including designated firearm officers from police stations, who will testify on various alleged violations by the dealership.
De Jongh also clarified that while Padayachee was not the actual shooter in the murder or attempted murder cases, the State will prove he had met with gangsters for the sale of the guns, as the State contends he should have known the guns would be used in gang shootings. The State also argues that as a result of smuggling with the Terrible Josters, he was paid R700000.
Court documents provide a long list of firearms linked to alleged violations by Padayachee, which include pistols, rifles and shotguns.
Padayachee is also charged with operating as a trainer and instructor to a security company without being accredited by the Registrar of Firearms.
The first State witness called was Muhammed Kolia from Selwel Sports KZN, who testified about the procedures followed when a dealership purchased firearms. It is understood that Padayachee purchased firearms legally from Selwel and later committed violations.
The trial continues.
Cape Argus