CAPE TOWN - Alleged underworld gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
The trial officially got underway at the High Court in Cape Town.
Stanfield, his wife Nicole and 12 others are facing a range of charges, including murder and fraud.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the accused, who pleaded not guilty are leaving everything to the state to prove the case against them.
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"There are about 42 charges against the accused. They range from, between fraud, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition, attempted murder, and murder, and a couple of murders," he said.
Proceedings are expected to continue on Tuesday.