Mense march for slain Xavier Mitchell

THE family and friends of slain Xavier Mitchell have planned a peaceful march and picketing outside the Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court on Thursday as his alleged killer returns to the dock.

Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum Chairperson Graham Lindhorst says the march serves as a call for justice for Xavier who was murdered more than a year ago.

The five-year-old boy from Bishop Lavis was left in the care of his nanny, who is also their neighbour on 7 August 2024.

At the time of his murder, it was revealed that the accused Mervyn White is the brother of the nanny, and when she went to the toilet and left Xavier with the suspect, he was stabbed three times in the back.

The court previously heard that White is still awaiting a psychiatric evaluation at Valkenberg Hospital, as he suffers from a mental health condition.

Xavier’s mother Sylvia previously told the Daily Voice that she cannot understand why the case is dragging out.

Sylvia explained: “I can’t understand why things are taking so long, why nothing is moving in my son’s case. He is going to be gone a year on 7 August and still the case is at the magistrate’s court.

The hartseer mother said while the accused waits for an evaluation, the investigation into the matter has been “paused”.

Lindhorst adds: “To date no movement is happening with this case and the parents and community is looking for answers that they are not getting from the justice system.

The march will start at the Mitchell home at 34 Sky Road, Bishop Lavis at 8.00am on 28 August and will proceed to the court where a peaceful picketing will take place.