Saadiqah's family upset as trial postponed

The six-year-old from Bokmakierie was killed by a stray bullet in her ouma’s driveway in May 2016.

Saadiqah died in hospital two days later and witnesses fingered Samier Slamang, 24, and Wayland Botha, 22, who had allegedly been shooting in 9th Avenue that day.

The two face a charge of murder, but the matter was postponed in the Western Cape High Court yesterday due to a wage strike by interpreters at the court.

Saadiqah’s mother, Chimiez Francis, said she had worked herself up for the trial only for it to be postponed.

“I am disappointed that the case is postponed. It’s just dragging on now. I’m a receptionist, it’s my job to smile and give good service but I’ve had to go to the doctor for medication because it just feels wrong (to do my job),” the mom said on Monday.

HEARTSORE: Chimiez Francis, mother of victim

Her eyes brimming with tears, Chimiez added: “She was such a loving child, very happy, she never really cried. I had so many dreams for her, those were all taken away.”

The accused, appearing laid back and calm, wore matching blue denim shirts and jeans.

The two were initially denied bail at the Athlone Magistrate's Court but were freed after their lawyer made an urgent application to Judge Yahya Hlope.

Bail was granted at R5 000 each.

Slamang and Botha have both pleaded not guilty.

The trial will continue on Tuesday.