A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the murder of 14-year-old Alnika Mitchell, who was fatally shot in Factreton, Kensington, on Saturday evening, Daily Voice has reported.
Alnika was sitting with friends outside her home in Lugmag Street, watching local matriculants celebrate their farewells, when she was struck by a stray bullet. She attempted to run for help but collapsed in the front yard and was declared dead at the scene.
An adult male who was also caught in the crossfire sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was treated at the scene. The suspect faces an additional charge of attempted murder in relation to this injury.
According to initial reports, the suspect had opened fire on a silver Volkswagen Polo, and the victims were unintentionally caught in the crossfire.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended on Monday afternoon during a police operation in a squatter camp on Royal Road, Maitland, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
“On Monday, 8 December at approximately 1:30 p.m., Kensington SAPS conducted an intelligence-driven operation in a squatter camp on Royal Road, Maitland,” Van Wyk said.
“A 35-year-old male was arrested in connection with the shooting incident that occurred over the weekend. He will face charges of murder, in relation to the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl, and attempted murder, for the male victim who was shot in the arm.”
The suspect is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 10 December.
IOL