TZANEEN – Monday marked a year since 22-year-old Atarah Katzeff was found murdered at the Warriors Academy in Magoebaskloof, yet no arrests have been made, and progress in the case remains elusive, despite a R500 000 reward for information.

Atarah, originally from Cape Town, was discovered in her on-site accommodation at midday on July 28, 2024. She had been working at the academy as a junior facilitator. A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as strangulation.

According to previous reports by the Herald, there were no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft. Her room was undisturbed, adding to the mystery surrounding the case.

Read more: Warriors Academy murder: R500k reward offered for info on Atarah Katzeff’s killer

Katzeff had a long-standing connection with Warriors Academy. She completed the academy’s gap year programme in 2022, followed by a multi-activity adventure instructor course in 2023, before joining the staff team early in 2024.

In a media statement released in August 2024, academy spokesperson Rowena Viljoen-Van Schalkwyk said that the campus was unusually quiet on the night of the murder.

“No programmes or school camps were running, and the Viljoen family, staff, and all students were off-site at the time,” she said. “The property’s unusual emptiness, combined with the absence of forced entry or signs of struggle, has made the investigation especially complex.”

On Sunday, Rene Viljoen of Warriors Academy shared an emotional reflection on Facebook about the impact of the tragedy.

“Tomorrow marks a year since a tragedy tore two families apart. We lost a beautiful young woman. We were never close friends, but we were all rooting for the same person. Now we’re divided by grief, bad advice, silence from investigators, and fear of jeopardising the case. My heart aches, especially because it happened on my property. The guilt has been overwhelming.”

The academy also posted a public tribute to Atarah.

“Her death was a deeply personal loss for all of us, students, staff, friends, and the wider community. Though it was an isolated incident, it left a profound impact. The pain of not knowing, of not having closure, still lingers. But today and every day, we remember Atarah not for how she left us, but for the remarkable person she was, her warmth, her passion, her compassion, and her spirit. We miss you deeply, Tara.”

In November last year, the Katzeff family appointed Sophia Dewberry as family liaison, private investigator, and reward coordinator to manage tips related to the murder. While her involvement initially generated a flurry of information and theories, no credible leads have emerged, Dewberry told the Herald on Monday.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to come forward. Tips can be sent to 079 891 7379, or reported directly to the investigating officer, Captain Jimmy Kubayi, at 072 905 5678.

The R500 000 reward remains available, subject to terms and conditions. All tips are treated with strict confidentiality, and informants’ identities are protected.