Community members and friends of brutally murdered Marolien Schmidt, will gather dressed in pink at the Magistrate’s Court in Gqeberha tomorrow, August 14, in solidarity against the suspect (29) who will make his first court appearance.
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An invitation has been doing the rounds on social media to “Stand Together 4 Marolien” at 8am in front of the Magistrate’s Court. People are encouraged to wear pink to stand in solidarity for Marolien against the suspect in her murder.
Schmidt, a much-loved local physiotherapist and Ironman athlete, died of stab wounds after she was attacked in her Richmond Hill home in the early hours of Wednesday, August 9. Neighbours heard glass breaking and her screams and rushed her to hospital, but she succumbed to her wounds. She was stabbed in her back and upper body.
Less than 24 hours after the attack and a relentless search and investigation by SAPS officers, the suspect was apprehended, close to the scene of the murder.
A Richmond Hill resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, said the outpouring of grief and support for Schmidt has been overwhelming. Since the day after the tragedy people have been placing flowers and messages at her bright blue front door every day. Residents collect these flowers every day and give it to her mom, Sineke, and the next day more flowers appear.
