The service was held by the Association of Churches with the support of local businesses and the community. Pastor Jan Appels conducted the service that took place at the Rheenendal Community Centre. She was laid to rest in the local cemetery, only a few feet away from the graves of most of the learners who died died in the tragic Rheenendal school bus accident in 2011.
Paula’tjie’s body was found in the PG Bison forest at about 21:00 on August 31. A 32-year old suspect was arrested and charged with murder. Following an autopsy on Monday, September 2, a charge of rape was added. The suspect who remains in custody will again appear in court on November 11. He is a distant relative of the girl and was previously convicted of murder and served a prison sentence.
Hundreds of people from the Rheenendal community, including children who went to Rheenendal Primary School with Paula'tjie, attended the funeral. During the service, Paula'tjie's coffin was carried into the hall by teachers and members of the community, and her closest friends then carried the coffin to the front of the hall.
Knysna’s executive mayor, Georlene Wolmarans, the local ward councillor, Magda Williams and other members of council also attended the funeral. The Western Cape Minister of Education, Donald Grant, also arrived unannounced, surprising mourners after the service. He visited the grave where he prayed that the community will be helped to take better care of their children and look after them. Grant offered his condolences to Derrick ‘Apie’ Marneville, the child’s father and the rest of her family and also consoled members of this community who have "already suffered to much".
Wolmarans said that she was deeply saddened by the tragedy and urged the community to speak up if they are losing the battle against poverty. "There is help. Speak out," she said. Magda Williams challenged Correctional Services to make available a list of people who are under correctional supervision. "We don’t know who our neighbours are. We want a list so that we can be aware and warn each other and especially our children," she said. Wiliams thanked the community and everybody who made it possible to give Paula’tjie "the funeral she deserved".
The principal of Rheenendal Primary School, Sammy Williams, said, "This child is one too many. We have endured a lot but the death of Paula’tjie has broken us." He said it was very difficult to warn children if the very people one warns them about are their fathers, neighbours or friends. "How can we protect them if the threat comes from the very people they know and trust? We have to warn them against all adults." He said the children and teachers received counselling from officials of the Department of Social Services as well as a departmental school psychiatrist.
Paula’tjie was described as a determined child who had a bright future. According to Pricilla Spies, Paula’tjie’s Sunday school teacher, she was bright and stood out above the rest. "You never saw her walk, she was always jumping and skipping - a joyful child who will be missed by everyone who knew her." Spies said, "The children of Keurhoek (Rheenendal), are looking for love and the community must give it to them."
Paula’tjie’s mother, Dreina Philander, died a year ago. Paula leaves behind her father, two brothers and a sister. She was the youngest.
Marinda October, last week incorrectly reported to be Paula’tjie’s mother, was also raped and murdered in a Rheenendal forest last year. "Another senseless murder," Williams said. "This community has had enough."
Donald Grant, Western Cape Minister of Education, and Magda Williams, ward councillor in Rheenendal, try to console Tiaan Marneville, Paula'tjie's brother.
Derrick Marneville pays his last respects to his daughter, Paula’tjie.
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