Key Takeaways
- Two children, Zechariah Matthee and Alnika Mitchell, have been killed in gang warfare in South Africa.
- Zechariah, 9, was shot dead in his home in Mitchells Plain, while Alnika, 14, was hit by a stray bullet in Kensington.
- No arrests have been made in Zechariah’s case, while a 35-year-old man, Milosh Basson, has been charged with Alnika’s murder and is facing additional charges.
- The community is calling for an end to the violence and for justice for the victims and their families.
- Funeral services were held for both children, with hundreds of people attending to pay their respects.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The recent gang warfare in South Africa has claimed the lives of two innocent children, Zechariah Matthee and Alnika Mitchell. Zechariah, a 9-year-old learner at Caradale Primary School, was shot dead by gang members while hiding inside a cupboard in his home in Viscount Street, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain. The shooting, which occurred on December 2, also claimed the lives of his aunt, Cleo Bailey, and friend, Mousheen Daniels, 26, and left two others wounded. Alnika, a 14-year-old from Kensington, was hit by a stray bullet on December 6 while watching learners celebrate their matric farewell.
Funeral Services and Community Response
The funeral services for both children were held over the weekend, with hundreds of people attending to pay their respects. Zechariah’s funeral service, which was held at the House of Grace Ministries in Mitchells Plain, was a somber occasion, with the community coming together to mourn the loss of a young life. The service was preceded by an open-air prayer service in front of the house where the triple murder was committed, with various pastors and mothers in the community calling for an end to the bloodshed. Alnika’s funeral service, on the other hand, was held at the Factreton Docks Mission, where her flower-decked white coffin was followed by the community as it made its way down Lugmag Street, where her life was tragically taken.
Investigations and Arrests
While no arrests have been made in Zechariah’s case, a 35-year-old man, Milosh Basson, has been charged with Alnika’s murder. Basson made his first appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court last week and is facing four attempted murder charges and the possession of an unlicensed firearm. The matter has been set for December 18 for him to appoint a legal representative. Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the investigation into Zechariah’s murder is still ongoing, with detectives following up all leads in order to make a breakthrough in the case.
Community Calls for Justice
The community is calling for an end to the violence and for justice for the victims and their families. Ward councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg, who has been rallying for justice for Alnika, carried out a march on Sunday, calling for peace. Speaking at Alnika’s funeral, he said, "We are laying our daughter to rest this morning. As we walk her to church, we are calling for justice. Her blood calls from the soil for justice." The community is determined to fight for justice and to bring an end to the senseless violence that has claimed the lives of two innocent children.
Conclusion and Reflection
The tragic deaths of Zechariah and Alnika are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gang warfare on innocent lives. The community is coming together to mourn the loss of these young lives and to call for an end to the violence. As the investigations into their deaths continue, it is essential that justice is served, and that those responsible are held accountable. The community must continue to rally together to demand peace and to work towards creating a safer and more just society for all. The memories of Zechariah and Alnika will live on, and their deaths will not be in vain if they serve as a catalyst for change and a call to action to end the senseless violence that has plagued their community.