Genevieve Serra|Published
A police captain has detailed the alleged structure and operations of the Ugly Americans gang during a bail hearing, while a Mitchells Plain residents’ association has called for the accused to remain behind bars.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, Weekend Argus will not publish the names of State witnesses.
Police outline alleged gang structure and leadership
The case has been subject to a heavy police presence, with surveillance around the court’s perimeter and tightly controlled access to the courtroom.
On Tuesday at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court, the testimony of one of the investigating officers, a police captain, concluded.
The officer gave evidence about the gang’s alleged structure, operations and leadership. He testified that accused one, Igshaan Abrahams, was believed to have taken over as leader of the Ugly Americans gang after the alleged murder of its former leader, Kaldimola “Dimes” Madatt.
The officer said Madatt was believed to have been assassinated after 17 attempts had been made on his life.
He said the gang had a strict hierarchy, with members allegedly serving as runners and hitmen, often turning on one of their own. Some of the accused have claimed in their affidavits that they have reformed and are now clergymen.
Igshaan Abrahams, Paul Solomon and Wade van Reenen have abandoned their bail applications. Van Reenen’s legal team previously indicated that he wished to pursue a possible plea bargain.
According to the charge sheet, the State alleges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act that the accused are members of the Ugly Americans gang. The State claims the gang operates under a strict hierarchy, similar to those of prison gangs such as the “26” and “27”.
The alleged criminal activities are said to have occurred between October 2002 and December 2025.
State links accused to alleged Pather murder
The State alleges that the accused terrorised communities in Mitchells Plain, Athlone and Table View for two decades.
Abrahams, Zainoedeen Greef and Solomon are among those the State believes were involved in the murder of Cape Town father Malcolm Pather. Pather was allegedly lured to a Table View address in July 2025, where he was robbed and killed.
The State alleges that Pather was driving a BMW at the time.
While testifying, the police officer discussed the profiles of accused 16, Denver Faro, and accused 17, Charlton “Hangkas” Piedt. Both men have claimed that they are men of God and breadwinners for their families.
Police oppose bail for Faro and Piedt
The detective said the two accused had allegedly not been fully honest about previous convictions relating to drug possession.
Faro, who works in construction, claimed that he had changed his life about two years ago after the death of his wife. He also said that he was a pastor.
The officer, while reading an affidavit from one of Faro’s relatives, said Faro had links to Strandfontein.
He opposed Faro’s bail application, alleging that Faro was a member of the Ugly Americans gang and had a gang-related tattoo. Faro is facing charges including murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
“He tormented the community for years, committed these crimes in broad daylight and used an unlicensed firearm with extreme violence,” the officer testified.
Residents’ association calls for accused to remain in custody
He said the community was living in fear. According to his evidence, 16 murders, 19 attempted murders and 48 aggravated robberies were reported in Mitchells Plain in July 2026.
The officer also testified that State witnesses and whistle-blowers were often targeted. He said the community was frustrated with crime and warned that groups such as PAGAD could take matters into their own hands.
He referred to the 1996 murder of Hard Livings leader Rashaad Staggie, allegedly at the hands of PAGAD, as well as the bombing of Planet Hollywood at the V&A Waterfront in 1998.
The officer also testified that Piedt claimed to have reformed and was serving as a church deacon. Piedt is facing several charges, including attempted murder.
He said the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association (MURA) had submitted a 12-page petition to the court, calling for the accused to remain behind bars.
During questioning about the gang’s operations, the detective was asked to demonstrate the gang’s hand signs.
He said the area allegedly controlled by the gang was known as “Ghost Town”, a name linked to deaths in the Rocklands community.
Also present in court were the two female accused, Stacey-Lee Hector and Courtney Nortje.
The State alleges that Hector and Nortje helped lure Pather to a Table View address. It claims that he was robbed of his cellphone, money and BMW before being killed at the residence.
The State further alleges that Pather’s hands were tied behind his back and that his body was transported in his own vehicle to a road in Mamre, near Darling.
The State claims that he was placed on the back of a bakkie, doused with petrol and set alight.
The State contends that Pather was the sole parent of his 12-year-old daughter.