KEY POINTS
- Basson and Fredericks were convicted of Emaan’s murder in court.
- The judge ruled based on eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence.
- The mayor urged stronger action against gang violence in Cape Town.
When Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks were found guilty of Emaan’s murder on Monday, the courtroom was filled with tears. Judge Da Silva Salie gave the verdict, and the two men hurried out of the dock while yelling abuse at the media and detectives.
Tears in court as Basson, Fredericks convicted of Emaan’s murder
After raising concerns about their abrupt departure, Judge Salie decided that the case would go forward without them. The date of sentencing is set for April 17.
The Anti-Gang Unit detained Basson and Fredericks, who were suspected of belonging to the Junky Funky Kidz gang in Ocean View. Following a gang-related shooting that claimed Emaan’s life in front of her house on February 25, 2020, they were charged with a number of crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and crimes involving firearms.
According to Newsnow, following her murder the community was incensed and held a vigil during which irate citizens set fire to five houses they thought were occupied by suspected drug dealers.
Judge rules based on evidence, eyewitness accounts
Basson and Fredericks entered not guilty pleas throughout the trial. Judge Salie did point out that eyewitness reports, testimony from opposing gang members, and an examination of the crime scene all attested to their involvement.
She said, “Gunfire shattered the peaceful day filled with the laughter of children playing in the street.”
Both men were convicted by the court of illegal firearm possession, murder, and the attempted murders of four other people. But under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, they were exonerated of all charges.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the conviction in remarks outside the courthouse.
“When the High Court found the gangsters guilty in the trial of the vicious murder of little Emaan, I was relieved,” he remarked.
“I hope this sends a message to those gangsters in Cape Town who show no respect for human life, let alone the lives of little children, but no amount of jail time can bring Emaan back.”
