The Story behind the Story is the first video-cast produced by the Express team of reporters to give our readers and viewers the story behind the stories we are covering.
In today’s video-cast, Bettie Giliomee-Rossouw, EP Media general manager and publisher, shares the story behind the story of attending the first court appearance of the suspect (31) in the brutal murder of 40-year old Marolien Schmidt, a much-loved Gqeberha physiotherapist and Ironman athlete.
READ MORE | Vigil held for physiotherapist murdered in alleged home burglary
Yesterday, as I was looking at the invitation on social media to community members to wear pink and gather at the gates of the Magistrate’s Court in solidarity with Marolien, I wondered how many people would actually come. And this morning there was a group of about 10 to 15 men and women. The power here was not in numbers, but in the messages they brought. It is in the time they gave to stand outside the court early on a Monday morning.
When I started my career in journalism 30 years ago, I walked the long corridors of the court building many times. They still look the same 30 years later, and while sitting on the benches outside the court rooms today, I could not help thinking of the many tragedies and stories that these walls could tell.
And Marolien’s story is indeed one of the most tragic and brutal – and way too close to home for many people. My first house was only a few blocks away from the house where she was murdered. Marolien died after being brutally attacked in her own home in the first hours of Women’s Day. In this case it seems if it was a house robbery gone horribly wrong. It could have been anyone.
Sitting with many members of the media in the first row of the courtroom gallery, the suspect, 31-year old Simxolele Zitsu stood right in front of me – only an arm’s length away. His scarred face is probably testimony to a life of violence. He admitted to having been convicted previously for murder and robbery. This man, standing while wringing a hat between his hands has taken life before. He refused legal aid and wants to defend himself, despite not having any legal qualification. He says he wants to tell the truth, but also that he is going to apply for bail.
ICYMI | Suspect in murder of Marolien Schmidt has previous convictions for murder and robbery
Ironically, when loosely translated from isiXhosa, the accused’s first name, Simxolele, means “we have forgiven him”.
While the case continues tomorrow, many questions remain and I hope this will all be revealed as the wheels of justice turn. The first is WHY, why did she have to die in such a way. Why was he out on the streets after having robbed and murdered before.
Being Woman’s Month, every year it seems as if there are more news reports of women being murdered during this month. But that is just the way it seems. Alison Botha was not stabbed, raped and left for dead in Women’s Month. Neither was Vicki Terblanche and Jade Panayiotou murdered in Women’s Month. And as Ward 5 councillor Terri Stander, who was a neighbour of Marolien, said at the magistrate’s court this morning, they are not only there for Marolien but for all those victims in the past and those to come.
This past weekend alone, police spokesperson Col. Priscilla Naidu released statements about the murder of two women by the men who were supposed to protect them.
On Saturday a woman’s body was found lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds in a house in Boekenhout Street in Algoa Park. A man’s body was found hanging in the bathroom of the house.
It is alleged that police were alerted after a concerned friend informed them that the deceased woman could be in danger.
Earlier this month, SAPS Algoa Park detectives arrested Earl Billet (26) for the murder of his girlfriend, Janine Brazella Nazzle (28) which took place more than two years ago, in January 2021.
Janine was found hanging from a door frame in the couple’s flat in Silver Oak Street, Algoa Park. At the time of the incident, Billet alleged that he received a message from Janine, that he should take care of their child. Billet further alleged that he rushed home to their flat in Silver Oak Street and found Janine hanging from the door frame.
Initially an inquest docket was opened. However, due to their meticulous investigation, police succeeded in closing any suspicions and discrepancies in the case and the case of inquest was changed to murder which led to the subsequent arrest of Billet.
Col Naidu said that “while police do make inroads in arresting perpetrators of violence against women and children, there is still a dark reality and concern that violence against women persists behind closed doors, leaving many individuals trapped in cycle of pain, fear and despair.”
“Police are urging victims of abuse to reach out for help as soon as possible. Support and professional help are available to provide assistance and guidance. Communities need to play their part in also notifying the necessary authorities if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse. Reaching out to a trusted person or a helpline can provide the necessary support. Reporting any signs of abuse can help prevent further harm and ensure that appropriate action is taken.” said Col Naidu.
