Empty seat, lasting memories: School remembers slain Atlantis teen
Teachers and classmates will gather today to remember a Western Cape schoolgirl killed in a shooting that has left a family grieving for the second time in a decade.
A day after celebrating her 15th birthday, Nikita Finch was killed after being caught in the crossfire of an alleged gang shooting in Sherwood Park, Atlantis, on Saturday (June 6).
Finch, a pupil at Robinvale High School, was returning home from a church youth event when the shooting occurred in Alleghany Lane.
Her death is a double blow for her family as her brother was also fatally shot 10 years ago.
Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said Finch died at the scene while another 48-year-old victim was injured.
She added that police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder, but no arrests have been made.
Bubbly personality
In a tribute post on her school’s Facebook page, Nikita was remembered for her beautiful smile and her bubbly personality.
“She had a special way of making others smile and will forever remain in the hearts of her teachers, classmates and friends. As we returned to school today, there was, and will forever be, an empty seat in the classroom — a painful reminder of a young life gone far too soon. While that seat may be empty, the memories, laughter and happiness Nikita shared with us will never fade,” read the post.
The school will host a memorial for her today (June 11).
Enough is enough
Her death has sparked renewed outrage over escalating violence in the Western Cape and the community plans on holding a march on Sunday (June 14).
Allister Lightburn, the ward councillor, condemned the shooting and called for those responsible to be brought to book.
“About three months ago, we lost a beautiful 14-year-old girl in a senseless shooting at a school, and on Saturday night we lost another beautiful girl through rival gang shootings. A family has been robbed of a daughter who was returning from a church youth event.”
Lightburn pleaded with the community to stand united.
“We need to say enough is enough. We cannot allow criminals to rule over us and our children.”
Police urged anyone with information to contact investigating officer Detective Captain Gavin Liedeman on 082 302 4328 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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