Franziska’s schoolmates struggling to deal with her death

11 March 2016 - 11:47 By Philani Nombembe And Aphiwe De Klerk

Pupils at slain Cape Town teenager Franziska Blöchliger’s former school are battling to come to terms with her death. Four suspects are due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday in connection with the killing. Three are to appear in connection with her murder and the fourth for the possession of stolen property.The 16-year-old was attacked on Monday while jogging in Lower Tokai Park and her iPhone was stolen. Police used her phone to track down the suspects.Thomas Knemeyer‚ the chairman of the board of trustees of the Constantia Waldorf School where Franziska was in Grade 10‚ led a school delegation protesting outside the court. Knemeyer said Franziska’s classmates were still shattered by the news of her death.“I was on campus yesterday. It is bizarre because on one hand it is business as usual and school goes on and the next moment a couple of students will come by and they are absolutely flooded in tears and other people will just be quiet‚” Knemeyer said.“The school is in shock. This is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to the school in over 50 years of the school’s existence.”He commended the Westlake community for assisting the police in tracking down the alleged killers.“The accused wouldn’t be in court today if wouldn’t have been for the very brave actions of the woman of Westlake who gave the police tips and support‚” he said.“They obviously exposed themselves to some danger. If it is true that this was done by a gang and not by a single individual then that gang could retaliate against people who stand up and are willing to speak out. Crime like this is an absolute evil. The way this girl was murdered on Monday night is simply unspeakable. If you hear the details in court you will be speechless.”Court four at Wynberg was overflowing in anticipation of the suspects’ first appearance.– TMG Digital/Sunday Times..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.