Exactly a year after the brutal killing of five-year-old Xavier Mitchell in Bishop Lavis, his family and community say they are still waiting for justice. 

On the morning of 7 August 2024, police confirmed that the child was fatally stabbed in Sky Road.  

Officers were alerted to the scene and traced the child to a local hospital, where a member of the public had transported him.  

“At the hospital, they were shown the body with three stab wounds to the back. He was declared deceased at the hospital due to injuries sustained,” said Western Cape police spokesperson, FC Van Wyk, in a 7 August 2024 statement.

A murder case was opened for further investigation, and Mervyn White, a man “believed to be mentally challenged” and in his forties, was arrested.  

He was detained at Bishop Lavis police station.  

But, despite the arrest, “the investigation continues”. 

Community activist, Graham Lindhorst, said the alleged perpetrator is yet to make a court appearance on the matter.  

Lindhorst voiced the community’s frustration with the delays. 

“We cannot forget, we cannot turn a blind eye. A year passed and still the alleged perpetrator has still not appeared before a judge to tell Xavier’s mother, father and the community what he did to Xavier and why he did it.”  

In a bid to place the stalled case back in the spotlight, a memorial march will be held on Saturday, 9 August 2025.  

According to Lindhorst, marchers will walk from 34 Sky Road, Xavier’s birthplace, to Belhar Cemetery, where he is buried. 

“The family feels let down by the justice system. The purpose of the march is to highlight the lack of progress.”