Cape Town - Hundreds of mourners attended the memorial service of slain 5-year-old Xavier Mitchell in Bishop Lavis yesterday, as his alleged killer is set to appear in court this week.
Tears flowed in Sky Road as residents rallied to petition against the release of the brother of Xavier’s nanny, accused of viciously stabbing the boy to death last week.
The suspect, who is in his 40s, reportedly had a psychotic episode.
Xavier was stabbed three times with a knife in the back.
It is alleged his caregiver had gone to the toilet and left Xavier with the suspect, and when she returned, the child had been stabbed.
After the stabbing, the suspect ran away but the community apprehended him and then called the police.
Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Graham Lindhorst, said the murder rocked the community who opted to host the memorial to support Xavier’s grieving parents.
"The community is in shock and very heartsore because in Bishop Lavis if you said a child got hit by a stray bullet it would not have been more acceptable but it would have been more understandable.
“The horrific way in which this child was killed has angered the community.
“We are calling for a petition against his release on bail because we believe he is a danger to other children.”
During the memorial, residents lit candles and released white doves in Xavier’s memory.
Grieving parents Sylvia and Ricardo said they were overwhelmed with the support, but were left with many questions. “The nanny has not even come to see me.
“All I want to know is where was she and how did she leave him alone with her brother.
“I miss Xavier a lot,;he was always so happy-go-lucky. His younger brother Zack keeps calling his nickname ‘Harvey’.
“We have been receiving lots of support especially from the lady from Women’s Movement from Change who doesn't want to be named.
“We also ask that the courts not give him bail,” said the parents.
The Cape Argus attempted to speak to the nanny but she declined, saying she was fearful of residents.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed the suspect will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of murder.
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus