Milosh Basson made his first appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for the murder of Kensington teen Alnika Mitchell.
The 14-year-old meisie was gunned down in front of her house on Saturday in Lugmag Street, Factreton.
Alnika and two of her friends were watching learners celebrate their matric farewells when she was hit by a stray bullet and ran inside her yard where she collapsed and passed away.
Basson, 35, was arrested on Monday in a squatter camp in Royal Road, Maitland and is now facing six charges, one charge for murder, four attempted murder charges and the possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Basson will remain in custody as the matter has been postponed to 18 December 2025 as he will be appointing a private attorney.
The public gallery and outside of court was filled with family and residents who came out in numbers to oppose bail.
Alnika’s father, Emilio Johnson, broke down in tears after the accused appeared and was too emotional to comment.
In support of the family, local ward councilor Cheslyn Steenberg said: “We are pleased with the outcome of today where the accused had his first appearance, so we are happy that he is being remanded in custody.
“Today is the start of justice for Alnika and the thousands of children who lost their lives on the Cape Flats.
“This is a stepping stone for the community of Factreton, Kensington and Maitland to say we are rising up against gangsterism and the violence that is against our community.
“I want to assure the family and the public that we are going to stand behind them until judgment is passed.”
Steenberg had a warning for gangsters terrorising the community that they had had enough.
He said: “I want to warn the gangsters in our community that their time is up, they need to leave our community and find another address.
“Kensington, Factreton and Maitland will no longer be home to them.
“To their families we want to say, we are not angry at you, we are not judging you, we are simply saying as a community that we are not happy with what is happening to your family members in our community.”
Resident Josephine Edwards said she is supporting the family during this time as it could have been one of her children.
"I am a mother, grandmother and a great-grandmother, it could have been my child or my grandchildren who was gunned down, it could have been anyone’s child.
“Alnika’s life was rukked away from her. She was still very young and we are saying as a community that enough is enough.”