Bishop Lavis CPF hopes petition ensures man accused of killing Xavier Mitchell stays behind bars
Five-year-old Xavier Mitchell was stabbed to death last week.
A memorial service for 5-year-old Xavier Mitchell was held in Bishop Lavis, in Cape Town, on 11 August 2024. Picture: Bishop Lavis CPF/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - The Bishop Lavis Community Policing Forum (CPF) has drawn up a petition in the hope that it will ensure that a man accused of killing a five-year-old boy remains behind bars.
Xavier Mitchell was stabbed to death last week.
The child was in the care of his nanny when tragedy struck.
Following the attack, police arrested a man in his forties, who is believed to be mentally challenged.
The CPF's Graham Lindhorst said that the suspect appeared in court in absentia on Monday and the case was postponed to Friday when the alleged child killer is expected in the dock at the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court.
Lindhorst said that the accused had to receive medical treatment, possibly for injuries he sustained when community members caught him before he was arrested by police.
"The community is in pain, they are really hurt but it has united the community and they are standing together for justice for Xavier."
Family, friends and community members gathered in the area for a memorial service on Sunday.