A warrant of arrest was issued on Wednesday for a 17-year-old suspect who allegedly stabbed Usaid Petersen, 16, dead at a street boeka in Hanover Park.
This comes after the murder suspect was spotted
driving past the Athlone Magistrates’ Court Wednesday morning, but failed to go in.
In court, the suspect’s mother waited in vain for her son to appear.
It is alleged that on 25 May, during a mass boeka in Athburg Walk, the accused had stabbed Usaid once in the chest.
According to a family member, Usaid ran home for help with the knife “stuck in his heart”.
He was transported to Heideveld Day Hospital and then later transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital.
A six-hour surgery was performed on the teen to remove the knife.
He remained in a coma for four days, but then died of his injury.
Outside court on Wednesday, Usaid’s uncle, Richard Juries, stood with a group of placard-carrying protesters, calling for justice for the teen.
PROTEST: Bridgetown High pupils want justice for Usaid. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Richard says at 7:20pm on the day, a girl had called Usaid over to a group of friends.
“He and the accused had had an argument over something, but nobody can say what it was.
“The accused stabbed Usaid in the heart, leaving the knife in his chest, and Usaid ran home.”
He says it has been a difficult time for the family, especially Usaid’s mother, Sadia Kellerman. He says Usaid was the youngest of his mother’s four kids, and was killed during the holy month of Ramadan, a special time for Muslims.
TRAGIC: Oom Richard Juries says family is battling with grief
On Wednesday the two mothers met for the first time, and Sadia cried when the other woman approached her and offered her condolences.
“I appreciate all the support and constant messages and calls from my community and my family. Usaid was my baby and I need to see this through for him,” the heartbroken mom says.
Richard says the suspect was released into his mother’s care after his arrest.
His grandmother had apparently taken him to the police station when rumours started circulating that he was Usaid’s killer.
“We waited here at court the whole time for him to come. He drove past in a car earlier, but did not go into court.
“Usaid was in Grade 10 at Bridgetown High School.
“We really just want justice to be done. He was ripped from his family and someone needs to take responsibility,” Richard said.
The matter was postponed until the suspect is found.