Convicted Tafelsig killer, Kirk Daniels, has been sentenced to 53 years behind bars after being found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
Kirk Daniels sentenced to 53 years
The Mitchells Plain Regional Court delivered the sentence on Friday, 7 February 2025, bringing closure to a case that had terrorised the Tafelsig community for years.
Daniels, 30 years old, was linked to a fatal shooting at a birthday party on 19 April 2019, where he opened fire on attendees in Garcia Street, Tafelsig.
Two men were killed on the scene, while a third survived with injuries. Despite being identified early on, Daniels escaped justice for years as witnesses were too afraid to testify.
His initial arrest did not result in a conviction due to a lack of cooperating witnesses, leading to his release in 2021. However, he was later arrested again for illegal possession of a firearm, which became a turning point in the case.
When the case returned to trial, three witnesses came forward to testify, leading to Daniels’ conviction on 6 November 2024.
The court handed down the following sentences:
- 15 years each for two counts of murder
- eight years for attempted murder
- 10 years for possession of an illegal firearm
- five years for possession of ammunition
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Daniels will serve 53 years in total.
How Detective Schuurman delivered justice to Tafelsig victims
Bringing Daniels to justice was no easy task. Detective Sergeant Bradley Schuurman, attached to the Anti-Gang Unit, led the investigation with relentless determination.
His work was praised by Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, who commended Schuurman for his meticulous efforts in ensuring the conviction.
Schuurman’s persistence was crucial in reviving the case. After Daniels was initially released in 2021 due to witness reluctance, Schuurman continued building trust within the community, working tirelessly to convince key witnesses to testify.
His efforts paid off when, after Daniels’ arrest for firearm possession, Schuurman re-engaged witnesses from the murder case, persuading them to provide statements.
This led to the case being reinstated, and ultimately, to Daniels’ conviction.
The sentencing is seen as a major victory in the fight against gang-related violence in Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas.
Police officials hope it will encourage more witnesses to step forward in future cases, knowing that justice can be served despite initial setbacks.