AS the start of the long-awaited murder trial of Emaan Solomons, 7, was postponed again, her dad described the wait for justice as hell.
Emaan was tragically killed by a stray bullet in Oceans View, two years ago.
The trial was to commence on Tuesday in the Western Cape High Court but was postponed because of a change in prosecution, the national prosecuting authority said.
Emaan’s father Azmir Oosthuizen told Weekend Argus that they were desperately seeking closure.
“All we want is justice, for two years already,” said an inconsolable Oosthuizen.
“The case is taking so long, the state is dragging its feet. It’s a living hell for us.
“Every time we’re back in court, we need to relive the tragedy all over again.”
Oosthuizen said no jail sentence would ever bring his daughter back.
“They (suspects) will still be living off our tax money, they will have a better life and proper meals.”
He said the death penalty would be a much better deal.
Emaan would have been 10 years old this September.
“We want justice before then,” her father said adding that they’re praying for that “each and every day”.
A 31-year-old man died in the crossfire too.
The little girl’s and man’s bodies were found in Libra Street in Ocean View. Emaan was found with wounds to her chest and hand. She died upon arrival at the False Bay Hospital.
The late 31-year-old was reportedly homeless and not related to Emaan.
Two men were arrested shortly after the killings.
The suspects Eben Basson and Chivargo Fredericks wanted to allegedly kill a rival gangster in retaliation for a previous attack on one of their own, according to a report, but Emaan was shot instead.
Soon after the incident occurred chaos erupted and four houses, supposedly drug dens, were set alight by angry residents.
In memory of Emaan and other children who lost their lives in gang violence, a new gang-free park was opened in Ocean View in February.
The park is in memory of six-month-old Zhania, nine-year-old Aqeel Davids and Emaan.
“The park is dedicated to them, to create a safe space so that it won’t happen to another parent because, as a parent, I can feel for those parents,” said PR Councillor Aslam Richards.
“Emaan, I knew the little girl because my mom stays in the same road. She lost her life just two doors down the road.
“If this park was here, then she would have been playing here. There is no safe space for our children,” Richards said.