KEY POINTS
- Two men were sentenced to 30 years for Ayesha Kelly’s murder.
- The 10-year-old was killed by a stray bullet in a gang shooting.
- Her family stands behind the idea that tougher sentencing statutes should be implemented.
After nearly five years of relentless courtroom proceedings, the family of 10-year-old Ayesha Kelly can finally find some sense of justice.
Two men responsible for her tragic death were sentenced to 30 years in prison at the Western Cape High Court, bringing an end to a painful chapter for her loved ones.
On December 8, 2019, Ayesha and three friends went to a tuck shop near her home in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, to buy bread.
What should have been a routine errand turned into a nightmare when members of the Hard Livings gang opened fire in the area. A stray bullet fired from a gun killed Ayesha immediately.
The shooting sparked an immediate response from the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Prevention Unit, who arrived at the scene and secured the area.
Witness testimonies enabled police to connect the three gang members, Cameron Julies, Chadwin Williams and Nathaniel Arendse, to the crime.
Arrests, trial, and a lengthy pursuit of justice
Officials undertook a 72-hour search for the suspects which culminated in successful arrests shortly after. Williams was found in possession of a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
According to IOL, the case was initially heard in a magistrate’s court, where bail was denied. It was later transferred to the Western Cape High Court for trial.
Arendse passed away while in police detention thus leaving Julies and Williams to stand trial alone. Both pleaded not guilty.
The family of Ayesha faced excruciating pain each time they attended court proceedings.
But on September 18, 2024, a long-awaited verdict was reached, both men were found guilty on all charges. The delay in their sentencing process lasted for a long time before they received their final verdict on February 27, 2025.
Family speaks out after sentencing
The family of Ayesha gave statements about the sentences to media representatives outside the courtroom. While they were relieved that justice had been served, they believed the punishment was not enough.
Her aunt, Fatima Kelly, expressed mixed feelings. “Even though we are not fully happy with 30 years, at least they were sentenced,” she said.
Ayesha’s grandmother, Fayrooz Kelly, echoed this sentiment. “If you take a life, you should get life. That’s what the judge said, but I don’t feel like it’s enough. At least we know this is over—we don’t have to see their faces again.”
She also took a moment to thank the detective who supported them throughout the case. “Thank you for the hard work and dedication over the past five years. You stood by us, and that made things easier.”
Community leader Linda Jones, from the Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum, acknowledged investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority for securing the conviction. The laws governing sentencing caused her to express reservations.
“The courts need to send a stronger message,” Jones said. “Twenty-five years is not enough to call it justice. The criminals we see are getting younger, and they need to know the consequences.”
The sentencing did not restore Ayesha, but her family finds solace in knowing her murderers were punished.
