When Jacy Lee Martin was just 12-years-old, he helped his mother turn her life around after 12 years of drug addiction.
Sadly, Jacy’s young life was abruptly cut short on 21 March, Human Rights Day when he jumped in front of a girl who was about to be stabbed.
On Monday his suspected killer, Joseph Mkandawire, 35, from Malawi claimed he could not understand proceedings at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court when he faced a public gallery filled with Jacy’s family and friends.
The matter was postponed to 26 March while the court finds a Chichewa translator.
The Grade 9 pupil, 16, at Heathfield High School and was a pillar of strength to his family.
ANGELIC: Jacy Lee Martin, 16
Jacy’s uncle, Brandon Martin, 24, says his nephew had saved the life of a friend: “Jacy went to a party at a friend’s house in Tokai.
“He left the party with a girl to go to a shop when they met this girl’s cousin and her boyfriend.
“The girl and the cousin had an argument.
“The boyfriend of the girl wanted to stab the girl that was with Jacy.
“But then Jacy jumped in and that is how I know him.
“He would never let someone get hurt in front of him.
“Jacy was stabbed in the stomach.”
Jacy’s uncle, Brandon Martin. Video: Genevieve Serra
The teen’s heartbroken mother, Natalie Martin, 34, says her son is the reason she has successfully recovered from drugs after being addicted for 12 years.
“Jacy was the reason why I changed my life four years ago, he was my inspiration,” says Natalie in tears.
“When I came into recovery, he went into recovery with me, he was about 12.
“He was so young, he walked the walk with me, he held my hand through these four years.
“He was an athlete and a soccer player.
“When I was on drugs, I broke my leg in three, I had to wear a kimbie. He was 11, he would wash me and bring me a pot.
“He would go with me to the hospital.
BROKEN: Natalie Martin
“Now after my recovery, when I started working permanently, he would wash my feet each day when I came from work.
“At the age of 13, he told me, ‘mom, I want to be baptised’.
“I believe God took him because of this evil world we are living in.”
On Monday, radio presenter Aden Thomas paid tribute to Jacy who had been on Heart FM in June last year, speaking about his journey with his mother.