PRETORIA: Two accused, Leon Breda and Martin Breda, have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the South Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, for the brutal murder of Warrant Officer David Morris.
Leon Breda received two life sentences, while his brother Martin Breda was sentenced to one life term for the killing of Morris, who was attached to the Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit based in Sophiatown.
According to court records, the incident occurred on Sunday, 24 September 2023, while the 40-year-old Warrant Officer Morris was conducting investigations into the murder of Cornly Hein in Westbury, Johannesburg. After informing the family of the deceased that he would return later to obtain formal statements, Morris was escorted to his vehicle by two family members.
While they were speaking outside the residence, an unidentified white Renault Clio carrying four occupants approached the scene. The occupants opened fire, fatally wounding Warrant Officer Morris and injuring Valentino Hein. Hein was rushed to hospital for medical treatment and was later discharged. A third individual escaped physical injury but was left severely traumatised by the incident.
Three days after the shooting, on 26 September 2023, the suspected getaway vehicle — a Renault Clio — was recovered hidden inside a garage. Investigations later confirmed that the vehicle had previously been reported stolen in Sunnyside.
Further investigations led authorities to identify the suspects, and warrants for their arrest were subsequently issued. The two accused were later arrested on 15 October 2023 on an unrelated drug possession charge. Members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit executed the murder warrants while the suspects were already in custody in Sophiatown.
The accused subsequently appeared before the Brixton Magistrate’s Court and the Newlands Magistrate’s Court before the matter was transferred to the High Court.
The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, commended the investigators and the prosecution team for their dedication and commitment to ensuring justice.
“The Hawks remain steadfast in executing the mandate of the DPCI and upholding the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa without fear, favour or prejudice,” said Mbotho.
