THE Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, is deeply devastated by an incident that occurred on Sunday, 24 March.
Owami Visagie (17), a Grade 11 girl learner from Chipa-Tabane Secondary School in Refilwe, Cullinan in Tshwane, was allegedly raped and murdered.
Chiloane said that according to the information at their disposal, the learner attended extra classes on Friday, 22 March, and Saturday, 23 March.
"It's reported that the learner allegedly left the house on Sunday, 24 March 2024, at around 6 pm and did not return. Her mother then filed a missing person’s report with the police that same night," he said.
Chiloane said upon receiving information that the Owami was last seen with her cousin, her family went to her cousin’s house on Monday, 25 March, to ascertain further details regarding her whereabouts.
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"Subsequently, it's alleged that they found the learner’s lifeless body in a room inside the cousin’s house. Police were contacted and arrived at the scene to commence their investigations. According to information at our disposal, the learner was allegedly sexually assaulted before being strangled to death.
“We are deeply devastated by the passing of our dear learner, especially through such gruesome circumstances. We solemnly sympathise with her beloved family, extending our sincerest condolences to them and the school community at large,” said Chiloane.
He said the suspect handed himself over to police on Monday night and was to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 March.
Gauteng Police spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said: "A case of rape and murder has been opened at Cullinan Police Station.
“The 30-year-old suspect handed himself over to the police.”
