South Africa Mourns Murder of Hijacked Stellenbosch Student – Stabbed & Strangled
South Africans have been paying tribute to Stellenbosch University (SU) student Hannah Cornelius (21), whose body was found yesterday morning after the car she was in had been hijacked in the early hours of Saturday morning. Hannah, who was from Scarborough, had allegedly been stabbed several times with a sharp object before being strangled to […]
South Africans have been paying tribute to Stellenbosch University (SU) student Hannah Cornelius (21), whose body was found yesterday morning after the car she was in had been hijacked in the early hours of Saturday morning. Hannah, who was from Scarborough, had allegedly been stabbed several times with a sharp object before being strangled to death.
She was a second year BA student at SU. Her male companion has been admitted to hospital with serious head injuries and a broken arm, after having been allegedly assaulted.
Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, said: “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.
“We are very relieved to hear that the SAPS has arrested two suspects in connection with the hijacking. The perpetrators should be met with the full extent of the law.” Since SU’s statement, a third suspect has been arrested. The Citi Golf has been recovered.
Prof De Villiers 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.”
According to a SAPS statement Hannah was found on Saturday morning at around 08:30 on the Knorhoek Road.
The carjacking occurred in front of a block of flats in Bird Street. Netwerk24 reported that the men forced open the car door with a screwdriver and made Hannah move to the back seat. The male student was forced into the boot of the car.
The hijackers drove to Kraaifontein where the male student was reportedly forced out of the vehicle and assaulted with bricks.
According to police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana: “The male victim managed to escape and was later found by Kraaifontein police.”
The hijackers then drove to Knorhoek Road where Hannah was stabbed, strangled and left on the side of the road. Police say they have not ruled out the possibility that she was raped.
Hannah’s family has issued a statement through her uncle, Andries Cornelius, who said: “It is with great shock and sadness that we learnt of the tragic death of our beloved Hannah Cornelius.
“The family does not have all the facts surrounding her death as yet. They have been advised to await the full report from the relevant authorities so as not to prejudice the investigation.
“Hannah was studying a degree in humanities at the University of Stellenbosch. At the time of her death, she was 21 years old. The amount of support the family has been receiving is testimony to what an amazing, loving and beautiful person our Hannah was.
“The family has requested that their privacy be respected in this very difficult time.”
One of her friends, Martina Monti, left this tribute: “I’ve always been told that life is too short. I never realised the extent of those words till I heard the news.
“Hannah Cornelius you were such a bright, loving human. You were my first friend at Reddam and you helped me through such a difficult time, always with that beautiful smile of yours, and always with kind honest words. Up till a few days ago I was wanting to reconnect with you, and then this tragedy happened. I just can’t believe it. Heaven has just gained a new angel, RIP lovely.”
The three arrested men will appear in court on Monday, on charges of murder, attempted murder and hijacking. A fourth suspect remains on the loose.
The university has been in touch with the parents and is providing support to Hannah’s friends. Trauma counsellors have also held debriefing sessions at Hanna’s residence – Irene – and are on standby to provide support.
SAPS requests that anyone who can provide further information please contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
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