Rene’s family was joined by the parents of Stasha Arendse, 11, who was found raped and killed on Tuesday in Mitchells Plain.
Rene’s half-naked body was found in St Agatha Crescent in Montague Village last Tuesday.
Andrew Plaatjies, 50, has been arrested for her murder and will appear in court next week.
Classmates of the girl, who was in Grade 6 at Levana Primary School, dressed in their uniforms and holding candles, lined up in the school hall last night.
Rene’s uncle and family spokesman, Stephen de Villiers, 33, says her brutal death has not yet sunk in for the family.
She will be laid to rest tomorrow.
“It hasn’t sunken in yet, but it will sink in on the day of her funeral. I’ve never seen my sister [Chrissandre] so strong, but the funeral will definitely hit her hard,” Stephen said.
He thanked Stasha’s family for reaching out.
“I was strong, but I broke when I heard about the death of Stasha. Our families have since come together and we will be supporting each other throughout,” Stephen says.
Rene-Tracy’s parents gave a tribute to their daughter, speaking about their loss and asking Stasha’s family to trust in the Lord for strength.
Chrissandre is pregnant with her fourth child.