Picture: (Double murder accused, Zander Bylsman led away by police)
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane said it is disturbing to see the increasing violent attacks and murders of women and young girls in the hands of their boyfriends and partners.
Motlhabane said the social media is particularly abuzz with reports, comments and disturbing images about these incidences of late. He also sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of Stella High School girls who were allegedly killed on Saturday.
It is alleged that the accused, Zander Bylsma (19) was in a romantic relationship with one of the deceased. Marna Engelbrecht (17) and Sharnelle Hough (16) were found dead at the school’s hostel on Saturday by the hostel matron.
North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said: “The police discovered a body of a 17-year-old girl, which was found hanging from the rails of the staircase in the hostel. They conducted a further search and found the second body of a 16 year-old girl with a string around her neck at the communal hostel’s bathroom.
“The police subsequently began a frantic investigation that led to the swift arrest of Bylsma. The motive for the incident is yet to be known and the police are still investigating.”
Motlhabane said: “Let me send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the two young girls and wish each family to remain strong and find solace in God’s abiding arm, during this trying time. I also want to commend the hostel matron for her motherly reaction.
“She did not hesitate to report this heinous act to the police. For that, I thank her, as she has empowered the police to act with speed and gather necessary evidence that enabled the police to effects arrest. This evidence may well be enough to prosecute and convict the suspect successfully.”
He urged partners and couples, especially young ones to seek parents’ indulgence whenever conflicts and relationship differences becoming apparent. Motlhabane added that those who come across challenges must rather speak-out and not be hapless or hope things will just be alright.
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Provincial Chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said they condemn in the strongest terms possible the heinous and ghastly acts and trust that the arrested suspect will be denied bail.
Sebegoe said Bylsma should face the wrath of the law, if he is found to be responsible for the outrageous murders which have send a shock wave across the country.
“We are appealing for calmness and questioned how the culprit gained access to the girls’ hostel to commit the atrocious crime when there was supposed to be security round the clock. We need answers as to why nobody heard any commotion or realised that something was amiss until the bodies were discovered,” he emphasised.
Bylsma briefly appeared at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court in Vryburg on Monday. The accused was remanded in custody until 6 August 2018 for further investigations and more charges are expected to be added.
The Guardian 