Family of slain teen sees hope for justice

THE FAMILY of murdered 16-year-old Tommy Raadt have expressed a mix of emotions as the case finally moves forward. After more than a year of waiting, justice appears to be on the horizon.

The case has been transferred to the Northern Cape High Court and is slated to start on November 18.

Tommy was fatally stabbed in front of his home in Santa Zone 2, Galeshewe, on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family and friends devastated.

The 18-year-old murder accused, Jemaine Long, was apprehended shortly after the incident. An angry mob confronted Long, leading to his arrest. In a desperate attempt to pressure the police, community members even torched Long’s residence, accusing him of terrorising the neighbourhood.

Long has previously made several appearances before the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court. Community members vehemently opposed bail, picketing outside the court. They vowed to take the law into their own hands if he was released on bail. Their determination led to his decision to abandon bail.

Following multiple postponements, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) ordered a psychological evaluation for Long. The results indicate that he is mentally fit to stand trial. Long now faces two murder charges and six assault charges. The other cases are unrelated to the murder of Tommy.

The trial is set to start in the Northern Cape High Court on November 18-22.

Tommy’s grieving mother, Lena, expressed immense relief when she heard the announcement. After what seemed like an endless journey, she said there is finally progress in the case, a year and three months after her child’s brutal murder.

Tearfully, she shared, “Maybe now I can find some kind of closure and grieve for my child properly.”

She revealed that she was “shattered” when the court ordered a psychological examination for the accused.

"On the day when the court ruled that he (Long) be taken for a psychological examination, I had to ask someone for clarity as to what a State patient is. I was shattered to hear that there was a possibility that he might not stand trial."

Lena, a domestic worker, said she has been grappling with the question of when justice will be served. She diligently requests time off from work to attend each court appearance, while her nights are filled with prayers, seeking strength from God.

"I have been going through a difficult time. Whenever I had to go to court, I would pray all night for God to grant me strength. God fought for me and gave me strength and helped me to remain calm whenever I saw my child's killer.”

Accepting that Tommy won’t return home is an ongoing struggle, she said. Instead, she talks to his pictures and visits his graveside to cope with the loss.

“Even today it is difficult for me to accept that he did not just go out to play and will come back home later. I cannot call him to send him somewhere. I have to talk to his pictures or visit his graveside whenever I miss him.”

Lena said that it was “incredibly traumatic” knowing that the accused knew Tommy very well and would sometimes greet her.

“There was an incident when I was searching for my son, and the accused told me where he was, even reprimanding him to come home.

“The accused’s mother is better off than me because she can at least visit her son if he is sentenced to jail and she will eventually be reunited with him upon his release. This world feels so unjust.”

A local advocate for gender-based violence and femicide, Hebert Miller, has also welcomed the announcement. He also expressed approval that the other cases will be revisited.

During the trial, Miller intends to advocate for a hefty jail sentence for the accused. He also firmly opposes parole for the individual responsible for taking the life of an innocent young boy.

“We continue to commit to supporting the bereaved family throughout the trial and will advocate to the judge in court that this guy must not get less than a 50-year jail sentence. No parole must be granted to him, he must serve his time because he has taken the life of an innocent young boy, who had a long life ahead of him, for no reason,” said Miller.

According to Miller, the accused showed no remorse and instead feigned having a mental health issue. His stance is clear: the accused must be held accountable for his actions without any leniency or excuses.