The academy says they wish to address recent speculation surrounding the tragic and senseless alleged murder of Atarah Katzeff. The academy is known for its gap year programme which has been named the best in the world for the past seven years. “Atarah was a valued junior facilitator who had been a dedicated member of our team and resident on our property for nearly three years.”

“Our community, along with the broader public and local media houses, has been rife with rumours and conjectures. We believe it is important to clarify the situation and present the facts from our perspective,” says Rowena Viljoen-Van Schalkwyk, programme director at Warriors Academy. “The incident occurred on an unusually quiet night at our base camp, which is typically a bustling hub of activity.”

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“On the night of Atarah’s death, there were no ongoing programmes or school camps, and the Viljoen family, as well as the staff, gap year students, and second-year students, were away from the premises. The quietness of the night was a rare occurrence,” she states. The Viljoen family took this opportunity to be away for the night, and Atarah, despite expressing a preference to stay alone at her house, was provided accommodation at the top of the farm to ensure her safety.

“She communicated to two separate members of the Viljoen family that she felt secure staying at her house alone,” says Viljoen Van Schalkwyk. “We wish to correct some misconceptions. Atarah was not a student but an employee of Warriors Academy. The only feedback we have had from authorities after the postmortem is that she was strangled. There are no other facts released. The property’s unusual emptiness on the night in question and the lack of forced entry or signs of struggle have added complexity to the investigation.

“However, we have been assured by the authorities that this was an isolated incident,” says Viljoen-Van Schalkwyk. “We are fully cooperating with the police, and Atarah’s family has engaged a private investigator to aid in the pursuit of justice. Both entities are diligently working to apprehend the perpetrator,” she says.

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“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our highest priority. “We have implemented extensive safety measures to enhance security across our premises. “We want to reassure parents and guardians that we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone at Warriors Academy.

“We will continue to support the ongoing investigation and remain dedicated to the safety of our community,” she concludes. The Herald contacted Col Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police media liaison, to follow up on the investigation. However, no feedback was received at the time of going to print on Tuesday.