Cape Town - Five years after ten-year-old Ayesha Kelly was shot and killed, the two gang members convicted of her murder have been sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.
Tears of joy and relief flowed at the Western Cape High Court on Thursday, when Cameron Julies and Chadwin Williams were handed down their sentence just after 11:30am.
Kelly’s mother, Insaaf Kelly and grandmother, Fayrooz Kelly, prayed for this moment for years after former police minister, Bheki Cele, promised conviction and sentencing would be achieved within a year.
The case was marred by several delays and postponements including the Covid-19 pandemic, when stricter protocols were observed at court.
Sadly , the family had to wait five years, just months away from what would have been Ayesha’s 16th birthday, to receive justice.
“We feel relieved,” said Insaaf speaking with the Cape Argus following the sentencing.
“We are glad that is over.
“Ayesha would have been 16 this April and we are now planning a party so we can feed children in our community.”
The family said the duo showed a lack of remorse and that they were satisfied with the sentencing.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile welcomed the sentences imposed on the duo.
They were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 10 years for attempted murder, five years for possession of firearm, and five years for possession of ammunition, among other counts. Effectively, they will spend 30 years behind bars.
Police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, said: “Witness statements were obtained and linked Cameron Julies, Chadwin Williams and Nathaniel Arendse to the commission of the offence. On the same evening, the three suspects were arrested and Chadwin Williams was found in possession of a firearm.
The three suspects made their court appearances and the bail was successfully opposed and the case was transferred to Cape Town High Court. Accused number three, Nathaniel Arendse passed away while in prison.”
Julies and Williams, who are members of the Hard Livings gang, pleaded not guilty to more than 10 charges relating to the shooting.
The State proved that on the fatal night of December 8, 2019, in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, Ayesha was at a tuckshop with others when gunfire rang out and she was struck and killed.
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 as her mother was in Grade 11 at the time of her birth.
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.
Schuurman was previously com-mended for securing several life sentences last year and earlier this year.