The Cape Flats community has been left shattered after the tragic and senseless killing of 14-year-old Alnika Mitchell, who was shot dead on Saturday evening while watching local matriculants celebrate their farewell festivities. What was meant to be a joyful night filled with music, colour, and celebration quickly turned into heartbreak for her family and neighbours.
Alnika, affectionately known as “Nika” by her loved ones, had been sitting with two friends outside her home in Lugmag Street, Kensington. They were excitedly watching learners pose in their glamorous outfits for the much-anticipated matric ball. The girls were simply enjoying the moment when gunshots suddenly rang out. Within seconds, a stray bullet struck Alnika, ending her young life.
When the Daily Voice visited the family home the following day, grief clung to the air. Family members were still trying to make sense of the tragedy, replaying the moment their vibrant, energetic child collapsed while trying to run for help.
Her grandmother, Beverley Abrahams, recounted the horrific moment through tears and disbelief. She had been on her way out to join the excitement of watching the matric ball when Alnika came running toward her, clutching her chest. The panicked teen managed to say, “Ma, ek is geskiet,” before collapsing. Beverley’s instinct was to confront the shooter — a man she saw holding a silver gun near a corner shop. He allegedly warned her to step aside because the shooting was not yet over. Despite the terror, she chased after him, calling for neighbours to help catch the gunman. But she eventually had to stop when she ran out of breath. When she returned to the yard, her granddaughter was lying motionless on the ground.
Alnika’s father, Emilio Johnson, was overwhelmed with emotion as he described his daughter — the eldest of his children — and spoke about how hard he tried to keep his kids safe from the violence that has plagued their community for years. He described her as a bright, spirited girl who was expected to move into Grade 10 next year. Only recently, they had shared a light-hearted moment about her school results, a memory he now clings to desperately.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that both a murder and an attempted-murder case are under investigation. Officers responded to the shooting at around 7:30pm on Saturday. Upon arrival, they found Alnika already dead from a single gunshot wound. An adult man also suffered injuries to his arm and was treated at the scene.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspect opened fire on a silver Volkswagen Polo, and Alnika and the man were tragically caught in the crossfire. The gunman fled and has yet to be found.
Twigg added that police are also investigating a separate double murder that occurred in Cafda later that night, underscoring the violence that continues to grip parts of the Cape Flats.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. The community now mourns a young life stolen far too soon — another innocent child lost to relentless gun violence.
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