Moment of truth looms for Ralph Stanfield

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInYoliswa SobuwaSenior Reporter

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandRalph Stanfield, the alleged 28s prison gang boss, and his wife, Nicole Johnson, have repeatedly surfaced in court proceedings, police investigations and controversies involving alleged gang activity, corruption and organised crime. Picture: File Story audio is generated using AI

For years, Ralph Stanfield has been at the centre of allegations linking him to the 28s prison gang, criminal networks, violence and attempts to infiltrate lucrative business and government contracts.

His supporters have portrayed him as a businessman and community figure, while authorities have repeatedly identified him as a key player in Cape Town’s criminal underworld.

His name, alongside that of his wife, Nicole Johnson, has repeatedly surfaced in court proceedings, police investigations and controversies involving alleged gang activity, corruption and organised crime.

They are both now on trial alongside 12 co-accused in one of the Western Cape’s most significant organised-crime prosecutions, facing charges that include murder, attempted murder and racketeering. The state’s case centres on “The Firm”, which prosecutors say is a criminal operation that wielded widespread influence in Cape Town. The indictment says he is the boss of The Firm.

The state claims that the gang operated from areas including Bishop Lavis, Valhalla Park, Delft and Mitchells Plain and that members became involved in violent rivalries with other criminal groups, including the 27s, Hard Livings, Dixie Boys, Sexy Boys and Ghetto Kids, across areas such as Kraaifontein, Woodstock, Parow, Bellville, Belhar and Eerste River.

Stanfield has been in custody since his arrest in September 2023. Johnson, who was arrested with him, was released on R100,000 bail in July. The trial finally got under way last month and is set down to run up to December 3.

The stakes are high. Stanfield has faced numerous charges since 2007, including murder, assault and corruption, but has evaded conviction. Many cases were withdrawn by the state.

Among the most serious allegations facing Stanfield and his co-accused is the murder of former Hard Livings gang boss Rashied Staggie.

Staggie was shot dead in December 2019 outside his home in Salt River. According to the indictment, Staggie knew Stanfield and had visited him. Prosecutors allege that Staggie became associated with Denver Booysen; the two were later charged with the murder in Constantia of “steroid king” Brian Wainstein, who is described in court papers as a friend of Stanfield’s.

Prosecutors allege that in November 2019, Stanfield, Jonathan Cloete and others conspired to kill Staggie. They allegedly enlisted the assistance of Shakeel Pelston and Sharazaadht Essop to carry out the hit.

On the morning of December 13 2019, Cloete, Pelston and Essop allegedly travelled to Staggie’s Salt River home. According to the state’s case, Staggie was sitting in a Toyota parked outside when members of the group approached and shot him dead.

The indictment also contains allegations relating to an attempted murder involving the son of Jerome Booysen, identified as the leader of the Sexy Boys gang.

The state says that on May 5 2023, gunmen believed to be members of The Firm travelled in two vehicles to Green Point with the intention of killing Booysen. Booysen was wounded in the leg but survived.

Testimony in the trial has referred to a black BMW that was allegedly being repossessed, and is at the centre of a car theft charge against Stanfield. On November 24 2022, a road-assistance company was called to tow the vehicle from the Palm Springs complex in Brooklyn, Milnerton.

A witness testified that he was assaulted and had his cellphone taken while attempting to contact the owner of the parking area where the BMW was parked. Evidence has focused on who instructed the company to remove the vehicle and what transpired when the witness arrived at the complex.

When police arrived at Stanfield and Johnson’s home three years ago to arrest them, the officers instructed Stanfield and another man to lie on the ground. While doing so, police saw Stanfield attempting to pass a key to the other man, the state says.

He said he had grown up in poverty and had been raised by his mother, who worked as a school cleaner and curtain maker. He accused police of persecuting him and his family

This key opened a safe in Stanfield’s bedroom. Inside, police say they found a firearm and ammunition that were linked to murders under investigation. The state says Stanfield did not have permits for the gun or the ammunition.

Stanfield’s detention conditions have themselves been the subject of court proceedings. Earlier this year he challenged his detention at Brandvlei and Helderstroom correctional centres, arguing that he had been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement and conditions that infringed on his constitutional rights.

Although a magistrate had ordered that he be detained at Pollsmoor following his first appearance in court, Stanfield was instead taken to Brandvlei, outside Worcester, by the police anti-gang unit. He remained there until August 2025, when he was transferred to Helderstroom, near Caledon.

The correctional services department said the transfer to Caledon followed security concerns after a phone charger was allegedly discovered hidden in his cell; later a phone and four memory sticks were found. The department argued that Helderstroom offered better facilities to monitor him.

Stanfield disputed that explanation. He told the court he spent up to 23 hours a day in his cell, had limited contact with family members and lawyers, and experienced psychological distress as a result of his detention conditions.

Stanfield has previously been described as a nephew of the late Colin Stanfield, a figure long linked to The Firm and its alleged associations with the 28s prison gang.

In a March 2016 affidavit challenging police action against him, Stanfield offered rare insight into his personal history. He said he had grown up in poverty and had been raised by his mother, who worked as a school cleaner and curtain maker. He accused police of persecuting him and his family.

At the time, Stanfield described himself as a property developer and said he and Johnson operated a petrol station. He told the court that he financially supported relatives, including his mother and brother, Kyle.

His arrest has sparked some controversy, with a small group of Cape Flats residents protesting outside court, calling for his release and saying his is fighting for the community. The trial is expected to resume in the Cape Town high court tomorrow.

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