FROM THE COURTS: Convicted murderer and gangster, Anthony Ruiters (41), also known as Nabbas, has received three life sentences.

Ruiters was found guilty on 7 July 2026 on a number of charges in the Gqeberha High Court. On Tuesday, 29 September 2026, he was sentenced to life on each of three murder counts and 10 years’ imprisonment on two counts of attempted murder.

In addition he received 15 years for aggravated business robbery, five years for Illegal possession of a firearm, two years for Illegal possession of ammunition and one year for pointing a firearm.

The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently.

The investigation was led by Detective Warrant Officer Dudley Ferreira of the Anti-Gang Unit. 

The court heard that on the evening of 29 October 2021 Jaydin Stalmeester, Nicolyn Ferreira and Dillon Booysen were killed in Kariega. Fernando van Rooyen and Rodwin Human were shot and wounded.

Stalmeester was taken to hospital in Kariega, where he died. Human was shot in the leg as he entered the Oasis tavern on Seagull Street. Ferreira was shot after leaving the tavern. The accused later returned and shot Ferreira again. Booysen was chased and shot while attempting to flee. Ferreira was declared dead on arrival at hospital, and Booysen died at the scene.

During the investigation, DNA evidence also linked Ruiters to an incident in Jeffreys Bay on the evening of 13 September 2014. On that night armed assailants entered O Chorros Function Venue, assaulted occupants and demanded cash and cellular phones. 

They removed property from the venue, including a Chevrolet Spark belonging to Nico van Onselen. The vehicle was recovered later that evening in Terblanche Street, Gelvandale, Gqeberha.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo commended Detective Ferreira and prosecutor Advocate Liezel Landman from the DPP for their diligent work and the successful prosecution that led to the conviction. 

He said gangsterism remains a major concern in the community and that the conviction must send a clear message that those involved in criminal activities will be pursued and arrested.