Police have confirmed that Klara Göttert (14) who went missing on 11 August, committed suicide at the Northgate Shopping Centre.
Göttert was a pupil at the German School in Parktown /Westcliff.
SAPS Major Mack Mngomezulu said the young girl’s body was found in the evening of the same day she went missing.
“She went to school and never went back home. The mother reported to police that her child was missing earlier in the day,” said Major Mngomezulu.
He explained that she fell from the top of the shopping centre.
“Paramedics were called and they declared her dead upon their arrival. Her body was taken to the Government Mortuary in Roodepoort for a post mortem to be conducted,” he explained.
He concluded that she was found in her uniform and still had her school bag. The police have opened an inquest docket.
The Deutsche Internationale Schule (DSJ) in Parktown where Göttert attended indicated that her classmates and fellow pupils were supported by counsellors to help them through their grieving process.
The school principal Thomas Bachmeier said it was with shock that the school community of DSJ learned of the sudden passing of Göttert.
“The school would like to express its heartfelt sympathy to Klara’s family.
“We thank you for all the interest and sympathy shown through the numerous messages and enquiries. Out of consideration of the family, the school will not be in position to give further information,” said Bachmeier.
Northgate Shopping Centre marketing manager Natalie Berkhout explained, “It is sad to have learned of the tragic incident which occurred at the centre last night.”
She further added that they were allowing the relevant authorities to complete due process.
“We are sending condolences to the family and the loved ones,” Berkhout concluded.
Details: Gauteng SAPS 079 136 1023; Deutsche Internationale Schule 011 726 6220.
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