Cape Town – Kyle du Toit, 26, and Mohammed Yaseen Claasen, 23, have been handed life sentences in the Western Cape High Court for a string of murders, including the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy. The sentences were delivered on Friday, bringing an end to a long and arduous legal battle.
The case has been a high-profile one, particularly due to Du Toit's antics while incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison. A video surfaced earlier this year showing Du Toit bribing a prison warden, sparking outrage on social media. The video, which went viral, even led to questions being raised in Parliament to Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald.
The footage showed a uniformed warden posing openly in a video being recorded by Du Toit on his cellphone. In the video, Du Toit can be heard saying: “The warden caught my phone. You must give him a C-voucher otherwise he is going to take this phone.”
Following the release of the video, further footage emerged showing Du Toit being allowed into the visitation area of the prison to take a selfie with his mother during a visit. These incidents raised serious questions about corruption and security within the prison system.
The sentences relate to several incidents, including the death of Dwayne Tyman, a Grade 10 pupil at Groenvlei High School. Tyman was killed by a stray bullet on 28 May 2020 while standing with friends in Surburg Walk during a gun battle between the Americans and the Ghetto Kids gangs.
Du Toit and Claasen, along with Chadwin Charles and Bashier Gamba, were initially on trial for Tyman's murder.
According to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday, Claasen and Du Toit were also sentenced for the murders of a gang rival in Athburg Walk, Hanover Park on 11 June 2019, and an 18-year-old man near a petrol station in Hanover Park on 6 November 2019.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile, has welcomed the sentences, stating that they demonstrate the court’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
"The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, (Adv.), Thembisile Patekile, welcomes the sentences imposed on 23-year-old Mohammed Yaseen Claasen and Kyle Du Toit (26) in separate murder cases, indicating the judge’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes and ensuring justice for victims and their families," reads a statement from SAPS.
On 11 June 2019, a 20-year-old man was fatally shot by unknown armed men whilst walking in Athburg Walk, Hanover Park. Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana confirmed that the motive for the attack was gang-related.
In another incident on 6 November 2019, two unidentified armed men shot and killed an 18-year-old man near a petrol station in Hanover Park at approximately 12:25. The motive for this attack was also confirmed to be gang-related.
The investigation into these incidents was conducted by the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU). The investigation team gathered relevant information and arrested four males aged between 21 and 26. The four accused appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, where their application for bail was successfully opposed. The case was then transferred to the Cape Town High Court.
Accused 2 and 3 were acquitted on all charges on 27 March 2025. However, on Friday 20 June 2025, Claasen and Du Toit were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
Manyana further stated that on 28 May 2020, Philippi police responded to a complaint at a nearby medical facility and discovered the body of the 15-year-old Dwayne Tyman, who had been declared dead by medical personnel. Two other victims, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, also sustained gunshot wounds and received medical treatment.
Patekile has praised the sentences, saying they demonstrate the judge's dedication to holding criminals accountable for their actions and ensuring that justice is served for the victims' families.
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