Hill-Lewis says sentences handed to Emaan Solomons' killers sends stern warning to gangsters

CAPE TOWN - Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis believes a recent child murder case has sent a stern warning to those who run gun battles in the streets.

The Western Cape High Court has sentenced two gangsters to an effective 35-year direct imprisonment for the murder of seven-year-old Emaan Solomons.

She was caught in the crossfire of gang violence while playing outside her Ocean View home in February 2020.

READ: Hill-Lewis hopes justice prevails for Emaan Solomons 4 years after her murder

While Emaan Solomons was playing with friends, Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks were involved in a shootout with a rival gangster.

Their paths crossed, and a stray bullet hit the seven-year-old.

She had tried to run for cover, but just made it to the garden of her family home, collapsing meters from the front door.

Her mother found her, and she was rushed to emergency medical care, but it was too late.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill Lewis has supported the family throughout the trial.

"The court has sent a warning to gangsters that jail without parole awaits those who terrorise our communities with no respect for the lives of our residents."

This sentencing comes as the country marks Child Protection Month.