Dylan Petersen, 20, also known as Okwa, made his first appearance at the Simon’s Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he is facing a murder charge.
Petersen, of Ocean View, was arrested in Manenberg on 26 September.
Cops are now hunting for more accomplices, it was revealed in court.
Police initially said two suspects were arrested for Aqeel’s murder, but clarified on Friday that the other suspect was arrested on a separate case of attempted murder.
Petersen, who is Rastafarian and was dressed in a khaki-coloured sweater, opted for Legal Aid. He said he wanted to apply for bail, and the State indicated it would be opposing bail.
Aqeel was shot in the head while sitting in his family’s living room on Friday 9 September on the eve of his ouma Shanaaz Davids’ wedding.
Police said Aqeel’s aunt and uncle, as well as an unknown man who ran into their house, were shot and injured in the gang-related attack.
The woman was injured when a bullet ricocheted into her chest.
State Prosecutor Chloe Morris told the court Petersen was nabbed in Manenberg after one of the victims pointed him out.
She said the suspect had a long rap sheet, including pending murder cases.
“On the evening of 9 September, the family were preparing for a wedding and it was after midnight when they heard a fight and gunshots outside,” said Morris.
“The occupant of the house went out to see what was happening and he saw two males jump over their wall into their yard.
“One of the men stood next to the occupant and the other ran into the house.
“One male was shot in the arm when three suspects [the gunmen] came to the gate.
“The occupant ran inside the house and closed the door. Bullets were fired into the kitchen window and door.
“Aqeel Davids was shot in the head and died in hospital the same day.”
Morris said Petersen was out on bail for a murder charge at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court which would be heard on 14 November.
He previously faced a drug-related charge in 2011, as well as a Marines Resources Act-related case in 2013.
She said they would investigate why a murder charge against Petersen was withdrawn in January.
The case was postponed to 6 October for a Legal Aid lawyer to come on record.
Ocean View residents wore T-shirts with the faces of murdered residents, including Camron Britz, 14, six-month-old Zahnia Woodward and Donald Joseph, 45.
They said they were not in a position to comment on the case.
None of Aqeel’s relatives were present. Family and friends of Petersen who attended the hearing would also not comment.