Tag:

cheslyn steenberg

News

Kensington man gunned down inside winkel in ‘gang hit’

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A 38-year-vintage man was fatally shot inside a shop in Fifth Avenue, Kensington, on Monday afternoon, February 16th, at 3:40 PM. Police are investigating the incident as a gang-related murder.

Details of the Shooting

According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that the man was standing inside the shop when he was targeted by the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made as of this reporting.

Did You Know? For the three weeks prior to this incident, the ward had experienced only sporadic shootings, with no reported murders or attempted murders.

Ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg noted that this is the first instance of bloodshed in the area in recent weeks. He stated that the community, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), had seen a period of relative calm.

Concerns Over Firearms

Steenberg emphasized that the incident underscores the continued presence of firearms and ammunition within the community. He expressed hope that the anticipated deployment of the South African National Defence Force will lead to increased confiscation of weapons.

Expert Insight: The resurgence of violence, even after a period of calm achieved through community and police collaboration, highlights the deeply entrenched nature of gang activity and the challenges of sustained peace in areas plagued by firearms.

The motive for the shooting is believed to be gang-related, though the specific circumstances are still under investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred on Monday, February 16th, at 3:40 PM.

Where did the shooting take place?

The shooting took place at a shop in Fifth Avenue, Kensington.

Is anyone in custody in connection with the shooting?

No, the investigation continues with no arrests made as of this reporting.

What steps might be taken to address the ongoing issue of gang violence and firearms in Kensington?

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Ex-gang member gives Kensington kids free back-to-school hair cuts

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Efforts to support students ahead of the 2026 school year are underway in communities across the Cape Flats, with individuals and businesses offering services to help learners prepare. In Factreton and Bonteheuwel, free haircuts are being provided to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

A Path to Redemption Through Service

Reuben Stone, 28, is leading the initiative in Factreton. Once a member of the Numbers gang, Stone returned to his former neighborhood on Sunday with a different mission: to give back to the community he once impacted negatively. Boys lined up at the home of local ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg beginning at 10am to receive haircuts before classes begin on Wednesday.

Did You Know? Reuben Stone was released from prison on September 1, 2023, after serving a sentence of seven to ten years.

Stone explained his motivation, stating, “I wanted to cut the boys hair not just because I grew up in the area but because I was involved with crime and gangsterism back then within the Factreton community.” He credits a shift in perspective following his religious conversion on March 27, 2021, while incarcerated at Victor Verster Prison (now Drakenstein Correctional Centre), with inspiring his desire to serve.

Since his conversion, Stone has been involved in prison ministry, working to guide others away from gang life and speaking to young people. He furthered his education with a bursary at Kalk Bay College, graduating as a senior Theologian and becoming a registered Pastor in Ministerial working and religious studies.

Community Collaboration in Bonteheuwel

In Bonteheuwel, Adiel Salie, owner of Gentspride Barbershop, partnered with ward councillor Angus McKenzie to provide free haircuts to boys and girls. Salie described the effort as a “very good outcome for all the underprivileged kids,” noting the appreciation from families who may not be able to afford the service otherwise.

Expert Insight: These initiatives highlight the potential for individuals with lived experience to become powerful agents of positive change within their communities. By addressing a practical need like back-to-school haircuts, these efforts can build trust and open doors for deeper engagement with at-risk youth.

Stone expressed his hope that his actions will “motivate them to become better where they find themselves.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Reuben Stone’s change in life?

Reuben Stone gave his life to Christ on March 27, 2021, while in Victor Verster Prison. This led to involvement in prison ministry and a desire to give back to his community.

Where did these free haircut initiatives take place?

Free haircuts were offered in Factreton, with Reuben Stone providing the service, and in Bonteheuwel, through a partnership between Gentspride Barbershop and ward councillor Angus McKenzie.

When will the 2026 school year begin?

The 2026 school year is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, according to the information available.

Will these types of community-led initiatives continue to grow and address other needs within these neighbourhoods?

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Alnika’s family relief as murder-accused will remain in custody

by Rachel Morgan News Editor
written by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The family of Alnika Mitchell, 14, is experiencing relief following a court decision to keep Milosh Basson, 35, in custody as his case continues. Basson is accused in connection with the death of Alnika, who was fatally shot on December 6, 2025, in Factreton, Cape Town.

A Community Mourns

Alnika Mitchell was struck by a stray bullet while observing matric farewell celebrations near her home on Lugmag Avenue. She ran into her yard and collapsed, ultimately succumbing to her injuries. Her funeral was held on Saturday, leaving a community in mourning.

Did You Know? Alnika Mitchell was killed while community members were celebrating the end of the school year with matric farewells.

Legal Proceedings and Community Response

Basson appeared at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing six charges: murder, four counts of attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm. He is currently without legal representation, having been unable to secure a private attorney.

The community of Factreton demonstrated strong support for the Mitchell family, gathering outside the courthouse wearing tribute sweaters bearing Alnika’s image and displaying signs calling for Basson to be denied bail.

Family’s Grief and Plea

Alnika’s father, Emilio Johnson, expressed the profound grief his family is experiencing. “This guy doesn’t know what he did to us,” he stated. He also voiced his gratitude for the community support and his hope that Basson will remain incarcerated.

Expert Insight: The community’s visible and vocal support for the Mitchell family underscores the deep impact of this tragedy and the public’s demand for accountability. The lack of legal representation for the accused raises questions about the complexities of navigating the justice system, even for those facing serious charges.

What’s Next?

The case against Milosh Basson has been postponed to April 9, 2026, for further investigation. It is possible that authorities will continue to seek evidence and witnesses during this period. A possible next step is the appointment of a legal aid attorney to represent Basson. The court could also consider extending his detention pending the outcome of the investigation.

Councillor Cheslyn Steenberg urged the community to remember the name Milosh Basson and thanked legal practitioners for their commitment to justice. He emphasized that the rights of the victim should not be overshadowed by the rights of the accused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges is Milosh Basson facing?

Milosh Basson is facing six charges: murder, four counts of attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm.

When is Basson’s next court appearance?

Basson’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 9, 2026.

Did Alnika Mitchell have legal representation?

The source does not contain information about Alnika Mitchell having legal representation. It does state that Milosh Basson is currently without an attorney.

How does a community best support families navigating such a devastating loss?

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail