Cape Town - The heartbroken family of Emaan Solomons received a surprise visit from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who came out to support them as the young girl’s accused killers officially went on trial in the Western Cape High Court yesterday.
More than four years after the 7-year-old was shot and killed in Ocean View, two members of the Junky Funky Kidz gang have now denied their role in the shooting, as they pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks were slapped with charges including murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and charges under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The duo are accused of shooting Solomons in front of her home on February 25, 2020, during a gang war.
Her death sparked an uproar among residents who, during a vigil, torched five homes they believed were occupied by alleged drug merchants.
The duo were allegedly trying to shoot members of a rival gang at the time when they hit Solomons.
During court proceedings, they proudly pleaded not guilty as their legal representatives informed the court they will be exercising their right to remain silent and would not submit plea statements.
Speaking outside court, Hill-Lewis said he was saddened when he heard of Solomons’ death.
“When I met this family months ago, their story was just heart shattering, especially as a parent of a young daughter of similar age.
“Still, this family manages to be generous and warm-hearted.
“They are remarkable people. To lose a child in these horrific circumstances is something a parent should never have to experience.
“My heart goes out to Emaan’s family, who have waited a long time – nearly four years – for this trial to get under way.”
Hill-Lewis said the City would be watching the trial closely and called on the courts to hand out the harshest punishment.
“I was glad to be able to support them this morning at the court, and to convey that the City is behind them, and that as parents ourselves, we deeply feel their pain.
“We are closely watching this trial, and we pray for justice to be done and for the harshest possible sentence to be meted out to Emaan’s killers. We join the community and the family in demanding justice for Emaan.”
Cape Argus