5-year-old boy stabbed to death by his nanny’s brother

Ricardo and Sylvia Mitchell, parents from Bishop Lavis, are devastated after the tragic murder of their 5-year-old son, Xavier. The child was allegedly stabbed multiple times by his nanny’s brother.

Xavier Mitchell

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the nanny’s home on Sky Road, just a few doors down from Xavier’s own home. The suspect, reportedly in his forties, is believed to have had a psychotic episode before the attack, which took place shortly before 11 a.m.

Xavier suffered three stab wounds to his back, and witnesses described a distressing scene, noting something was hanging from the boy’s head.

Henry Abrahams, a neighbour who rushed Xavier to the hospital, recounted the harrowing experience: “When I got home, a neighbour asked me to help take the boy to the hospital. The nanny was holding him at the time. I asked her to bring a blanket to cover him. He wasn’t speaking when we left. I dropped them off, and about 30 minutes later, I was told the boy had passed away.”

Xavier’s parents were at work when they left him in the care of their trusted nanny, who had been looking after Xavier and his younger brother for the past eight months.

Ricardo recounted the heartbreaking moment he learned of the tragedy: “I received a call from someone crying, saying my son was covered in blood and at the day hospital. I rushed to the hospital, where the doctors told me there was nothing they could do. I called my wife, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell her what had happened to Xavier.”

After the stabbing, the suspect fled, but community members managed to apprehend him and alert the police. The nanny, who had formed a strong bond with Xavier and his brother, is also reportedly traumatized by the incident.

“I completely trust her with my children. She is very good with them, and they love her,” Sylvia said. “We haven’t spoken to her about what happened yet. We know she is also deeply affected, as she spent five days a week with Xavier.”

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said: “Bishop Lavis police are investigating a murder case following a stabbing incident at about 10.40am at premises in Sky Road, Bishop Lavis, where a 5-year-old boy sustained a fatal stab wound.

“A male in his forties, who is believed to be mentally challenged, was arrested by the police and taken to Bishop Lavis SAPS for detention. The investigation continues.”

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