35 YEARS FOR EMAAN KILLERS

Two gang members convicted of the murder of seven-year-old Emaan Solomons have each been sentenced to 35 years’ direct imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the killers, Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks of the Junky Funky Kids (JFKs) gang, were convicted in February for the 2020 shooting that claimed the life of the Grade 1 learner, who was hit by stray bullets during a turf war in her street.

The incident occurred on 25 February, 2020, when the JFK gang members opened fire in pursuit of a rival from the Taylor Gang and a bullet struck Emaan as she was playing with friends after school. 

Though the State had asked for life imprisonment, Judge Gayaat Da Silva Salie deviated from the prescribed minimum, citing the accused’s status as first offenders and their five years in custody awaiting trial.

The pair received 22 years for the murder, five years for each of the four attempted murders, and eight years for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Western Cape Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the court’s decision, saying: “The court has sent a warning to gangsters that jail without parole awaits those who terrorise our communities. I am relieved that Emaan’s family are getting some measure of justice out of this trial, knowing also that no amount of jail time can bring back Emaan.”

Hill-Lewis added that the City would continue working to rid neighbourhoods of illegal guns and drugs.