A grade 11 learner was found murdered in her cousin's room after going missing. It is alleged that 17-year-old Owamie Visagie from Chipa- Tabane Secondary school in Refilwe, Cullinan, outside Tshwane, was last seen by her mother on Sunday around 6pm. The MEC for Basic Education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane said he was devastated by the incident.

Chiloane said Owamie's mother became worried when her daughter left on Sunday evening but never returned. "Her mother then filed a missing person's report with the police that same night. Upon receiving information that the learner was last seen with her cousin, her family then went to the cousin's house on Monday to ascertain further details regarding her whereabouts."

Chiloane said the family found the learner's lifeless body in a room inside the cousin's house. "Police were contacted and arrived at the scene to commence with their investigations. According to information at our disposal, the learner was allegedly sexually assaulted before being strangled to death. The suspect handed himself over to police," Chiloane said, adding that as the department, they are deeply devastated by Owamie's passing, 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.