Education minister visits Okahandja to console families over latest murders

The minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Sanet Steenkamp, has met Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo over the disappearance and alleged murder of a six-year-old girl, Roslind Ndinelao Fabian, whose body was discovered at Okahandja on Friday, as well as the killing of Ingrid Maasdorp (5).

Both children were pupils at KW von Marees Combined School. Steenkamp’s visit to the town also follows on the alleged murder of a 15-year-old girl, Beyonce Kharuxas.

Kharuxas was found dead and allegedly raped at Five Rand Location over the weekend, fueling more anger and concern about what has now become a spate of disappearances, rapes and murders at Okahandja.

“Steenkamp stated that she will deploy more life skills teachers from surrounding schools, specifically those trained in counselling, to KW von Marees Combined School starting Monday,” the education ministry said in a statement.

“Furthermore, Steenkamp requested the regional director of education in Otjozondjupa, Gerhard Ndafenongo, and the team to assess the situation at the school and to work closely with teachers and principals to listen to and address their views on the matter,” the ministry stated.

Steenkamp’s deputy, Dino Ballotti, the executive director for basic education, Edda Bohn, and the education ministry’s director for programmes and quality assurance, Ayesha Wentworth, were also at Okahandja to commiserate with affected family and community members

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