NW officials to report back on mental health of Stella learners
Psychologists probing the metal state of learners at Stella High School following the horrific murder of two of their classmates, are expected to report back to education officials.
Officials from various governmental departments have been sent to the small town to assess the impact of the murders on fellow classmates.
The bodies of the two Grade 11 learners, 17-year old Sharnelle Hough and 16-year-old Marna Engelbrecht, were discovered in the agricultural school’s hostel in May.
The North West Department of Social Development’s psychologists will release their findings on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Department of Education’s Freddy Sepeng, the findings will determine whether the mid-year examinations will have to be suspended or can proceed.
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“If a learner becomes ill, and we know that he is ill then what we’ll be doing (is that) he will be able to write examinations later. Now this is a special case, if it is in that way – I think we will be able to assist that one.”
Members of the community from the town near Vryburg are hoping 17-year-old Xander Bylsma’s next court appearance in August will provide some clarity on the motive for the brutal killings.
The 19-year-old suspect reportedly made a confession to police.