Three suspects are set to appear in court on Monday for being in possession of a hijacked vehicle following the discovery of the body of a Stellenbosch University student.
The body of the 21-year-old female student was discovered Saturday morning at 8:30 on the Knorhoek road just outside of Stellenbosch.
According to various sources the victim is Hannah Cornelius.
A male victim who was with her at the time of the incident was found by Kraaifontein SAPS members with head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The male victim has not yet been identified.
Noloyiso Rwexana, police spokesperson, responded to MatieMedia saying that they can confirm that three suspects aged 26, 28 and 32 have been arrested. They will appear in Stellenbosch’s Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 May 2017. Cases of murder, attempted murder, and hijacking are under investigation.
The hijacking took place Friday evening in Bird Street when the unidentified suspects hijacked Cornelius’ blue VW Citi Golf.
Rwexana added that the investigation is ongoing.
Hannah Cornelius, a Maties student, was allegedly killed in a hijacking in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Facebook
The tragedy was met with devastation from the university.
“Our campus community is appalled and shocked by this senseless act and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the student who has lost her life and to the injured student,” said Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, according to the university’s statement.
“The perpetrators should be met with the full extent of the law.
The Rector expressed his deepest condolences and said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific crime. We wish the injured student well and we will do everything in our power to assist – also in aiding the SAPS with their investigation.”
Cornelius, originally from Scarborough near Simon’s Town, was a second year BA student and a resident of Irene residence.
Students affected in any way by the incident are encouraged to call the University’s Crisis Service at 082 557 0880 and make use of the services provided. – Marli van Eeden
*The SAPS requested that anyone who can provide further information contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.