Cape town: The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, has praised the efforts of Sergeant Bradley Schuurman of the Anti-Gang Unit, together with the prosecution team, for securing a hefty sentence handed down to Matthew Yu on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the Mitchells Plain Regional Court.
According to South African Police Service, reports indicate that on 20 February 2019, 18-year-old Ruwayda Van Rheede was with friends when gang members fired several gunshots at the occupants of a residence in Lentegeur. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Sergeant Schuurman, the investigating officer assigned to the case, diligently followed up on information, went the extra mile in tracing the accused, and ensured his detention. The State successfully opposed bail, and the accused remained in custody throughout the trial.
Matthew Yu was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment.