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In a deeply distressing case that has shaken the Ocean View community, the Western Cape High Court has convicted Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks of the murder of a 7-year-old girl, who was caught in crossfire, and multiple counts of attempted murder.
The judgment was delivered by Judge Da Silva Salie on 10 February 2025, following a trial rooted in the violent reality of gang warfare that has plagued the area. The tragedy unfolded on 25 February 2020, as young children were playing in the cul-de-sac of Libra Road. Eyewitness accounts revealed the horror that erupted when gunfire shattered the innocent atmosphere, resulting in the child being fatally struck while attempting to reach her home. The child, playing near her residence, was accidentally caught in a barrage of bullets intended for another gang member, Anees Davis, making her death a grim reminder of the collateral damage in the ongoing turf wars between gangs.
Judge Salie’s verdict emanated from compelling testimony presented by witnesses, including neighbourhood residents and fellow gang members. Eyewitnesses were able to identify both Basson and Fredericks as the shooters, asserting they were well-acquainted with them, having previously interacted within the context of the gangs embroiled in the violent feud.
The court found that both accused had actively engaged in a common purpose to shoot at Davis, with both armed. Judge Salie’s judgment highlighted the reckless disregard for safety both accused exhibited, firing indiscriminately in a populated area, keenly aware that children were nearby.
During the trial, it was revealed that gang activity had long marked the Ocean View landscape with violence. The Junky Funky Kids [gang], to which both men belonged, were embroiled in a relentless competition with the Taylor gang over drug territory. This conflict set the tragic stage for the events that led to the child’s untimely death.
Davis, the intended target, recounted the traumatic moments, providing a clear account of the incident that not only implicated both accused but revealed the challenges faced when testifying about gang violence. He expressed conflicting feelings about the role he played in the incident, fearing retribution and the ramifications for the child’s family as he witnessed her fall, shot in the crossfire.
Throughout the proceedings, the defence attempted to discredit eyewitness testimonies. Nevertheless, the consistency and credibility of accounts provided by those who saw the events unfold ultimately upheld the integrity of the State’s case. Judge Salie declared that the testimonies were not only coherent but stemmed from individuals who were familiar with the accused, each having long-standing ties to the Ocean View community.
Resident Sarah Peters expressed the community’s relief at the verdict: “This conviction sends a strong message to gang members that our children’s lives matter. We cannot continue to live in fear while our innocent children pay the price for their violence.”
As Judge Salie concluded the trial, he underscored the devastating impact that gang violence has had on innocent lives and the duty of the justice system to respond firmly against such actions. “Society deserves protection from the cyclical nature of gang-related crime, which endangers children and disrupts communities,” he stated. Sentencing proceedings are scheduled to begin next month, with the state pushing for maximum penalties to serve as a deterrent to gang violence.
#Conviction
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