Picture: North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The African National Congress (ANC) in North West condemned the atrocity that took place at Stella High School in Stella, near Vryburg on Saturday.
Two female learners were allegedly hanged at the school hostel. The lifeless bodies of Marna Engelbrecht (17) and Sharnelle Hough (16) were discovered by the police after being informed by the hostel matron, who found the first body.
The ANC acting provincial secretary, Sussana Dantjie said: “The ruling party is devastated by the tragic death of two teenage girls. It is alleged that the girls aged 16 and 17 and both in Grade 11 were found by the hostel matron hanged on the rails of the staircase of the hostel, while the second one was found in the bathroom.”
Dantjie said they strongly condemn this barbaric action of men killing girlfriends or wives, which now appears to be a daily occurrence in the society. She further said the struggle for equality in society is far from over if the country continues to have these brutal acts.
“These acts are going to delay us in achieving the national democratic society that is non-sexist. We urge the department and the police to fully investigate this matter to get to the bottom of these actions.
“We also want to applaud the police for that speedy action. We encourage our communities to turn out in numbers to support the school and the families of these girls in calling for justice to prevail,” Dantjie said.
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education said is also saddened and outraged by these double murders. Committee Chairperson, Nomalungelo Gina condemned femicide and any form of violence against women and children.
According to police, the alleged perpetrator was formerly involved in a relationship with one of the girls.
Gina said: “Surely our young men cannot be thinking that this is a way to address challenges. Furthermore, the gruesome manner in which these young girls were killed is truly shocking.
“It has been reported that one of the girls was found hanging from a staircase by the matron at the school, while the body of the second girl was later discovered with a rope around her neck in the bathroom. They were 16 and 17 years old.”
She praised the police for the speedy arrest of the suspect and appealed for speedy justice for the girls. Gina added that they will ensure that justice is served speedily.
Meanwhile, the accused, Zander Bylsma (19), who is a former learner at Stella High School, briefly appeared at Vryburg Magistrate’s Court. Bylsman was remanded in custody until 6 August 2018 for formal bail application.
North West MEC of Education and Sport Development, Sello Lehari is set to visit the families of the victims in Stella on Tuesday at around 12pm. The department spokesperson, Freddy Sepeng urged learners to speak-up if they come across any bullying at their schools.
The Guardian 