A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to spend the next few years of his life behind bars, for the murder of a teen girl in Kleinvlei in 2023.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Wesley Twigg, says the tragic incident took place on 17 July that year – when 14-year-old Naeema Marshall was visiting her aunt in Kleinvlei, Eerste River. She is said to have been approached by the 15-year-old when she went to the shop, at which time she refused to kiss him. She was later shot, sustaining a wound to the head, and died.
The teen was found guilty of murder, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, in November last year.
“The case was assigned to Provincial Organized Crime and Anti-Gang Unit detectives who built a strong case by collecting evidence and witness statements to present before court. He remained in custody for the duration of the trail and it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty of murder.”
On Tuesday, the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to ten years of imprisonment for murder, as well as an additional four years for the other charges, which will run concurrently with the murder sentence.
Naeema, who is from Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, was described as a “people person” and “loving” by community member, Veranique Williams.
“The family is not happy but even if he get how many years it won’t bring Naeema back,” says Williams.
She says incidents like these are an everyday occurrence and called on the community to stand together to bring an end to it.
“Our kids need to be kids. Guns off our street… Our kids need to be free [to] walk where they want to walk.”
Kaylynn Palm, of the civil rights group, Action Society welcomed the sentence, noting that this case shows how deeply entrenched gender-based violence is in society.
“It has become normal to commit violence against women when you don’t get your way. We need a cultural reset. A functioning justice system will support victims in getting the protection they deserve while removing abusers from the streets.”
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