The wheels of justice are finally turning for two girls who were killed in gang shootings.
A large group of protesters descended on the Western Cape High Court on Friday morning as skollies accused of killing Ayesha Kelly, 10, and seven-year-old Emaan Solomons appeared for their pre-trial hearings.
Their families and supporters protested outside the court building calling for justice for the girls.
In the first case, alleged Hard Livings gang members Cameron Julius and Chadwin Williams appeared on murder charges for the death of Ayesha from Tafelsig.
She died on the evening of 8 December 2019 during a gunfight between the HLs and Americans.
The little girl was on her way to a tuck shop with friends in Oudekloof Road when she was struck.
During the pre-trial hearing, it was established that the accused would be represented by Legal Aid attorneys.
The matter was postponed to 12 March for further pre-trials.
Outside court Ayesha’s ouma, Fayrouz, 59, told the Daily Voice that she is glad the matter is being heard at the High Court as they hope for harsh punishment: “We were hartseer coming here today, but it's nice to see the support from the community and that they didn’t just forget about Ayesha.
“I am happy it's at the High Court and I hope they get long sentences.”
In the second case, two members of the Junky Funky Kids gang from Ocean View, Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks, appeared on an array of charges for a shooting during which seven-year-old Emaan was killed.
She was shot in the chest and hand while playing in the front yard of her home in Libra Street on 25 February last year.
The death of the young girl sparked an uproar among residents who burnt down five alleged drug dens.
The duo were allegedly trying to shoot members of a rival gang at the time and face one charge of murder, three counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca).
The matter was postponed to 12 March.
Emaan’s dad Azmir told the Daily Voice that it has been tough for their family, but they are happy with the support from their community.
Lynn Phillips, of the Cape Flats Safety Forum and the All Lives Matter campaign, who provide counselling to families, say they wanted to show the judges the communities are seeking justice.
“What happens is that the communities do not follow through the cases until conclusion and we need to stand with the families to say that we are not happy with what happened to your child and we stand with you.”
monique.duval@inl.co.za