Stellenbosch student, 21, murdered in ‘senseless act’
A STELLENBOSCH student was found dead less than 24 hours after she and a male student were hijacked while in a VW Golf on Friday.
The male student, whose identity has not been revealed, is recovering in hospital with serious injuries.
Hannah Cornelius, 21, was studying towards a degree in humanities at the university. Her lifeless body was found at Knorhoek Road in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The surviving student managed to escape as the hijacked car was driven to Kraaifontein. It was not clear what happened to Cornelius after he escaped.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a murder, attempted murder and hijacking case was being investigated. Three men, one aged 28 and the others in their 30s, were found in possession of the hijacked vehicle. They have been arrested and were due to appear at the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court today.
Stellenbosch University rector and vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said the university community were shocked and appalled by “this senseless act”.
He said the university was relieved that suspects had been arrested: “The perpetrators should be met with the full extent of the law. We will do everything in our power to assist – also in aiding the SAPS with their investigation.” said De Villiers.
Student affairs staff members were in contact with the parents on Saturday night and are providing support to friends of the dead student.
Stellenbosch University spokesperson Martin Viljoen said the name of the student in hospital could not be revealed for safety reasons.
Cornelius’s uncle, Andries Cornelius, released a statement yesterday requesting that the privacy of the family be respected “in this very difficult time”.
“It is with great shock and sadness that we learnt of the tragic death of our beloved Hannah.
‘‘The family do not have all the facts surrounding her death as yet. The amount of support the family have been receiving is testimony to what an amazing, loving and beautiful person our Hannah was,” the statement said.