CAPE TOWN – What was supposed to be a joyful Saturday at the start of the festive season became a heartbreaking tragedy for a Factreton family after their 14-year-old daughter was shot and killed.
Alnika Mitchell was caught in the crossfire during a gang-related shooting on Saturday 6 December.
A 53-year-old man sustained wounds to his arm.
Lt Col Nkosinathi Losini, the station commander at Kensington Police Station, said the girl was sitting outside her home in Lugmag Avenue when gangs started shooting at each other.
“The girl was sitting outside and then, one of the Nice Times gang members saw the vehicle of the Americans gang and started shooting at the moving vehicle. They moved in the direction where the girl and the man were, and they were hit by stray bullets.”
He explained that the man was treated on the scene by medical personnel.
A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder earlier today.
A devastated Emilio Jansen, the father of the teen, said he will never forget his daughter’s last words to him.
“She told me ‘daddy I can’t breathe’. I held her and kept telling her not to worry. Then she died.”
Her grandmother, Beverley Abrahams said: “When she came to tell me she was shot, I ran passed her and ran after the man who shot her. I kept calling people to stop him. I shouted that he shot my child.”
She explained that she collapsed in the road and the perpetrator ran away.
Abrahams described Mitchell as a shy girl who always stayed inside the house.
A vigil was held for the teen outside her home on Sunday 7 December.
Church leaders addressed the crowd, all affirming that the Grade 9 learner would be remembered as “a bright soul who brought joy to everyone around her.”
Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, said residents are angry and are demanding answers from authorities.
He urged them to take back their community.
“I need residents to channel that anger to a united front. One child is too many and we should rise up against it.”
Resident and former community policing forum chair, Jameelah Liedeman, said: “We are grateful that so many people came forward as witnesses to the shooting where the perpetrator was identified. We have been assured that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to book.”
Liedeman said she shares the pain felt by Mitchell’s family.
“As a resident, a mother and grandmother I’m at a loss for words because so easily it could have been one of my children. As a community we have pledged to stand as one in a united front to bring an end to this scourge. We vow to fight this fight for the sake of all the young people who have bright futures.”
Sam April, community policing forum chair, said: “We are shattered and broken. She was so young. We call on the police to bring the perpatrator to book. We will continue to pray and keep the faith.”
As the festive season approaches, Losini assured residents that police have “matters under control”.
The area has been plagued by gang violence for the past few months.
You must be logged in to post a comment.