A group of concerned community members are to picket outside the Muizenberg Magistrate’s Court at the bail hearing of a man suspected of stabbing to death 10-year old, Micholine Jantjies at a local play park last week.

The accused, 20, is also alleged to have attacked the girl’s 15-year old cousin, stabbing him at least 16 times in the face during an incident more than three months ago.

The attacks have enraged Vrygrond residents, many of whom are set to take to the court on Monday to oppose bail for the alleged perpetrator.

Lucinda Evans of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, an organization aimed at serving the rights of women and children in Lavender Hill, says residents are determined to ensure the “monster” behind the attacks is not allowed to return to their community.

“It sends out a clear message that we want the justice system to help us so that this trial is sped up, because we don’t want a lengthy trial. It is already sad for the family, because her birthday would have been on the 2nd January and she would have been 11. Her life has just been snuffed out,” Evans states.

While the name of the suspect has been withheld by police, Evans has suggested some connection on his part to “unsavoury elements” within the community. She has also alleged that the murder was pre-meditated.

“He planned to kill her. He sat on her, he shocked her and he stabbed her. There is no way that we as a community can stand by and just allow him to come back and do this to one of our children.

“We are not accepting that he gets bail. Every time he comes to court, we will be here and we will be supporting the family,” she has declared.

The family of the girl is believed to be struggling financially and unable to cover the costs of her burial. Community members are trying to assist the family to ensure a dignified sending off.

Court proceedings will begin on Monday. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)