Cape Town — Western Cape police have confirmed that a 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of 14-year-old Naeema Marshall after she refused to kiss him.
In a statement, police revealed that Naeema was shot and killed on July 17, 2023, while visiting her aunt in Kleinvlei. The fatal shooting occurred after she rejected the boy’s advances.
“The case was assigned to Provincial Organised Crime and Anti-Gang Unit detectives who built a strong case by collecting evidence and witness statements to present before the court. The accused was found guilty on 28 November 2024 for the charges that were brought before court,” police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg said.
The boy remained in custody for the duration of the trial until it was proven that he was guilty of murder. He was also sentenced to three years for the illegal possession of a firearm and one year for the illegal possession of ammunition.
The sentences imposed will run concurrently.
The Western Cape police management commended the investigation team and the prosecutor for their efforts in securing the conviction.
#sapsWC The Blue Downs Magistrate’s court today sentenced a 15-year-old accused to ten years direct imprisonment for murder, three years for the illegal possession of a firearm and one year for the illegal possession of ammunition. Western Cape police management lauded the… pic.twitter.com/0OCMPrUMLX
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 28, 2025
According to TimesLIVE, Naeema Marshall’s mother, Fadeema Marshall, has expressed disappointment over the 10-year prison sentence handed to her daughter’s killer, saying it is not a severe enough punishment.
“I don’t think the punishment he got was enough for me. Within seven years he’ll be free again and what next is going to happen? Who is going to be his next victim?,” said Fadeema.
“I’m going to appeal this case. My children aren’t happy with the sentence. Even though it won’t bring their sister back, they feel it’s not enough.”
Fadeema described Naeema as a jovial and strong-willed young girl who always made people smile and stood up for herself.
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Picture: Facebook/Fadeema Marshall
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
