Alleged gang leader Ralph Stanfield and his wife Nicole Johnson are set to appear in the Western Cape High Court alongside 12 co-accused in a major organised crime trial.
According to amaBhungane, the case follows a nearly four-year investigation into what prosecutors allege was a criminal enterprise operating across Cape Town.
The National Prosecuting Authority has separately confirmed that Stanfield, Johnson and 12 others were indicted on alleged gang-related offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, together with several related criminal charges.
NPA Pursues Organised Crime Case
The NPA said the indictment includes alleged offences linked to the murders of Wendy Kloppers, Rashied Staggie, William Stevens, Faizel Adams and Ismail Abrahams.
AmaBhungane reports that the wider case contains 41 charges, including murder, attempted murder, fraud, money laundering, robbery, theft and firearm offences.
Prosecutors allege that Stanfield and Johnson headed an enterprise that used violence, extortion, corruption and business interests to build influence between 2019 and 2023.
Earlier Commercial Charges Withdrawn
The NPA confirmed in May 2025 that separate commercial charges against Stanfield, Johnson, former City of Cape Town mayoral committee member Malusi Booi and others were provisionally withdrawn after police uncovered new evidence.
The authority said those charges could be reinstated once the additional investigation was completed.
AmaBhungane also records a long history of earlier cases involving Stanfield and Johnson that ended in acquittals or withdrawn charges.
Concerns Over Gang Links and Witnesses
The current trial is expected to be closely watched because of concerns around witness safety.
AmaBhungane reports that several key State witnesses have been killed or seriously injured, while others have allegedly faced intimidation.
The City of Cape Town has also publicly called for investigations into alleged gang-linked companies tied to Stanfield and Johnson in infrastructure contracts, including work connected to Prasa’s Central Line reconstruction.
The allegations against Stanfield, Johnson and their co-accused remain unproven unless established in court.