Tragedy after PHS learner went missing
A missing person’s report yesterday led to tragedy when the body of the 15-year-old AJ Korff, a learner from PHS, was found last evening.
POLOKWANE – A missing person’s report yesterday led to tragedy when the body of the 15-year-old AJ Korff, a learner from Hoërskool Pietersburg, was found last evening.
AJ was first reported missing yesterday by his mother, who started to worry when she could not get hold of him. An appeal to residents to help find him was then shared on social media.
Alida and her husband Buks had travelled to a specialist in Gauteng, leaving AJ with his grandfather.
“The last time I heard from him was via WhatsApp at around 12:00. AJ slept over at his grandfather’s house on Wednesday evening and returned home to pack for a church camp. When I could not get hold of him, I asked his grandfather to go check at the house.”
Alida said when her father-in-law arrived at the Korff home, it was locked with all the alarms activated.
“AJ’s cellphone and tablet were found in the house, but there was no sign of him,” she said.
His body was found on the property about 100 m from the house. He was found with a gunshot wound to the head, and a revolver was found next to the body.
Polokwane Police Spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala, said an inquest was registered. He said the police were investigating how AJ might have gotten hold of the gun as did it not belong to his parents.
Friends and family have started small prayer groups to pray for the family.
PHS Spokesperson, Anna-Marie Schoeman, said the school was shocked to hear of AJ’s tragic passing and would assist the family in any way possible.
She said a counsellor from the school will be available to help the family. “My heart breaks for this family. AJ was well mannered and respected for the respect he had for others. We carry the Korff family in our hearts and prayers.” Schoeman said.
