Cape Town - Nearly five years after 10-year-old Ayesha Kelly was shot and killed in a gang crossfire, the two gang members accused of her murder have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing next month.
It was a bittersweet moment for Kelly’s mother, Insaaf Kelly, when she heard the word “guilty” in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, when Cameron Julies and Chadwin Williams were convicted of her murder.
The duo, who are members of the Hard Livings gang, pleaded not guilty to more than 10 charges relating to the shooting which took place on December 8, 2019, in Tafelsig.
The State proved that on the fateful night, the victim was at a tuckshop when the gunfire rang out and Ayesha was struck and killed.
Julius and Williams were arrested shortly thereafter.
They were also convicted of aiding and abetting criminal gang activity, including four counts of attempted murder, the possession of a firearm and the possession of ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Anti-Gang Unit’s Sergeant Bradley Schuurman and Ayesha’s family said they commended him for his good work and perseverance.
“I was overjoyed when I heard they were guilty,” said Insaaf.
“They (Cameron and Chadwin) were so shocked and their families were crying inside the court.
“Outside court they said we must find the person who killed Ayesha, so they are still in denial.
“We finally have closure but we are waiting for the day when they get punished.
“I want more than one life sentence.”
Ayesha was in Grade 4 at Tafelsig Primary School at the time of her murder and would have been in Grade 9 this year.
She was raised with the help of her grandmother, Fayrooz Kelly as her mother was in Grade 11 at the time of her birth.
Fayrooz said their family would have to live with the pain for the rest of their lives and there was no remorse shown by the suspects.
“I do not want to feel bitter,” said Fayrooz.
“They are not showing remorse. “We were told (Tuesday) we must ask Ayesha or the boere (police) who killed her.
“We knew it was him (Cameron Julius) from day one, we saw him on the night Ayesha was shot.
“We didn’t do anything wrong, our child was walking to the shop.
“We only want justice for our child, we are sitting with the pain for life, they can go visit and see their child we cant see our child.
“I need to pick up the pieces after five years.”
Sentencing proceedings have been set for November 7 and 8.
Cape Argus