High Court indictment reveals case against accused in Portlands sisters’ double-murder - IOL

The State is preparing to call 30 witnesses in the High Court trial of Ederees Smith and Nazmie Lekay over the double murder of sisters Zainab Jacobs and Gouwah Smith Newman outside Portlands Primary School in Mitchells Plain.

A newly obtained Western Cape High Court indictment provides the clearest picture yet of the State’s case against the two accused following the 6 November 2025 shooting that shocked the community.

Smith and Lekay are facing a string of charges arising from the incident, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and allegations that they acted with a common purpose. Smith also faces charges relating to the Children’s Act and firearm legislation, while the indictment includes allegations of defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.

The indictment alleges that the shooting followed an ongoing dispute over the care of Smith’s minor children.

According to the State’s summary of substantial facts, proceedings had been under way in the Mitchells Plain Children’s Court before the shooting.

On 3 November 2025, the court allegedly ordered that two of the children remain in the care of Jacobs.

Three days later, the State alleges, Smith waited near Portlands Primary School before launching a targeted attack on a vehicle carrying Jacobs, Smith Newman and children.

The indictment alleges that Smith approached the vehicle, demanded Jacobs’ cellphone and then opened fire. Jacobs, who had been wounded, allegedly fled from the vehicle but was pursued and shot several more times before collapsing. Smith Newman was allegedly shot at close range while still seated in the vehicle.

The State further alleges that a school pupil and an adult bystander were also shot during the incident. Their names are being withheld because one of the victims is a minor.

Cape Argus previously reported that police arrested Smith shortly after the shooting and that Lekay was alleged to have been the driver of a getaway vehicle. Both men were later charged, with the State alleging they acted in common purpose.

Lekay was subsequently denied bail after the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court found that he had failed to establish exceptional circumstances for his release. He has maintained that his presence near the shooting was coincidental.

The High Court indictment alleges that after the shooting, Lekay drove Smith and children from the scene and later assisted in concealing a firearm and cellphone. The State further alleges steps were taken to evade police and frustrate the investigation. These allegations will have to be proven at trial.

In addition to the murder charges, Smith is accused of contravening the Children’s Act by allegedly exposing children to physical, emotional and psychological harm and failing to protect their wellbeing amid an ongoing family dispute.

The State has identified 30 official and private witnesses who may be called during proceedings. They include police investigators, forensic and ballistics experts, medical and pathology personnel, social services officials and private witnesses connected to the events leading up to and following the shooting. Their names are not being published.

The matter has been transferred from the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court to the Western Cape High Court, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for 13 November 2026. The trial date is expected to be determined thereafter.