The Deadly Dormitory: South Africa's Boarding School Best Friend Murder Mystery
The discovery of Charell Hog's body in a boarding school dormitory on May 26th, 2018, marked the beginning of a disturbing investigation. Initially appearing to be a tragedy when authorities found her best friend Marna Engelbrecht as a second victim, subtle inconsistencies soon emerged. What seemed like a heartbreaking incident evolved into a complex case revealing tensions, obsessions, and threats beneath the surface of these intertwined lives.
Both girls shared deep connections rooted in their rural South African upbringing. Their families, established in the Northwest Province's farming communities, had long-standing relationships. After drifting apart in childhood, Charell and Marna's friendship rekindled when they reunited at Stella boarding school. Their bond became especially important as they navigated adolescence, until Xander entered Charell's life in March 2017, creating a new dynamic that would ultimately lead to unforeseen consequences.
Key Takeaways
What appeared as a tragic double incident at a boarding school revealed deeper complexities as investigators uncovered inconsistencies.
Childhood friends Charell and Marna reconnected at boarding school, forming a close bond before Xander's appearance changed their relationship dynamics.
Behind the facade of normal teenage life lay troubling tensions involving personality conflicts, obsessive behaviors, and complex family relationships.
The Chilling Discovery
Morning Tragedy at the Student Residence
On May 26, 2018, a staff member made a horrifying discovery in the girls' residence at Stella boarding school. The body of 17-year-old Charell Hog was found hanging near the stairwell railing. This shocking find occurred in the early morning hours, sending immediate waves of distress through the school community. What initially appeared as a tragic incident would soon reveal deeper, more disturbing layers.
The Second Victim: Marna Engelbrecht
Within minutes of discovering Charell, authorities found a second body—that of Marna Engelbrecht, Charell's best friend. The two girls shared a deep connection that stretched back to their early childhood, though they had drifted apart before reuniting at Stella boarding school. Their friendship had flourished in the boarding school environment, where they shared a dorm room and spent most of their free time together. Marna, known for her intelligence and kindness, aspired to become a veterinarian, while Charell pursued her passion for photography.
Revealing Discrepancies
What initially seemed like a straightforward though tragic case quickly developed complications. Investigators noted subtle inconsistencies that suggested the scene might not represent what it initially appeared to be. The circumstances surrounding both deaths contained elements that didn't align with typical expectations. These discrepancies prompted a more thorough investigation, revealing tensions and complexities beneath the surface of the girls' seemingly harmonious lives.
The investigation would need to consider Charell's relationship with Xander, an 18-year-old graduate of the same school. Their relationship had developed rapidly after meeting at a school event. While presenting as charming and devoted, Xander had a history of confrontational behavior during his school years. His involvement added another dimension to understanding the events leading to that tragic morning.
Charell Hog's Background
Family Life and Rural Upbringing
Charell Hog grew up on a farm in Delville, a small town located in South Africa's Northwest province. Her family situation was somewhat complex; her parents had divorced when she was young, though they maintained an amicable relationship. Charell lived primarily with her father Ronnie, her stepmother Anna, and Anna's son Eston, whom she considered a brother.
Ronnie Hog worked as a cattle farmer, while Charell's biological mother Sonia was employed at a tourism lodge in a nearby resort area. Before attending boarding school, Charell divided her time between both parents' homes, typically spending three weeks with her father on the farm and one week with her mother. This arrangement reflected the strong family ties that remained despite her parents' separation.
The Northwest Province, where the Hog family resided, is characterized by savanna landscapes and agricultural communities. Many residents, including Charell's family, maintained traditional farming lifestyles typical of Afrikaner culture in the region.
Schooling Shift: From Farm to Boarding School
Charell's life underwent a significant transition when she enrolled at Stella boarding school. This move represented a considerable change from the familiar environment of farm life to the more independent setting of a boarding school. With her father busy managing the farm and her mother living at a distance, Charell's daily family interactions were substantially reduced.
At Stella, a remarkable coincidence occurred when Charell reunited with Marna Engelbrecht, a childhood friend with whom she had lost touch years earlier. The two had been close during their kindergarten years, but life circumstances had separated them until they both enrolled in eighth grade at the same boarding school.
Their rekindled friendship quickly became central to Charell's school experience. The girls shared a dormitory room and spent most of their free time together, creating a strong support system. Charell was known for her charisma and outgoing nature, while Marna was recognized for her intelligence and kindness.
Marna Engelbrecht's Story
Reconnecting After Years Apart
Marna Engelbrecht's life took an unexpected turn when she enrolled at Stella boarding school in the Northwest province of South Africa. After an eight-year separation, she reunited with her childhood friend Charell Hogg in eighth grade. The two girls, who had once been inseparable during their kindergarten years, immediately rekindled their bond. Their families had long-standing connections—Marna's mother Rionette had even played music at Charell's parents' wedding.
The Northwest Province where both families resided was characterized by its agricultural landscape of savannas and shrublands. Both girls came from traditional Afrikaner farming families who regularly interacted at Sunday services and community gatherings. This shared cultural heritage provided a strong foundation for their renewed friendship.
Shared Passions and Aspirations
Marna and Charell's friendship centered around common interests and dreams for the future. They shared a deep love for animals and horseback riding, which remained a central activity in their lives. While Charell developed a passion for photography and had modeling potential according to her father, Marna demonstrated different strengths.
Marna, affectionately called "Marna thinker" by her father Stefan for her thoughtful nature, excelled academically with particular talent in mathematics and science. She aspired to become a veterinarian, a dream inspired by her experiences growing up on her family's farm. Her family life was characterized by close relationships:
Marna's Family:
Father: Stefan Engelbrecht (respected drilling specialist)
Mother: Rionette (worked as a caregiver)
Sister: Rion (older sister, important family figure)
At school, the friends shared a dormitory room and were inseparable. Charell was known for her charisma, while Marna was recognized for her intelligence and kindness. On weekends, they would often return to their respective homes but occasionally stayed with each other's families. Charell's father Ronnie treated Marna like a daughter, demonstrating the close ties between the two families.
Northwest Province Setting
South Africa's Northwest Province presents a distinctive rural landscape dominated by savannas and shrublands where agriculture remains the primary economic activity. Most residents earn their livelihoods through farming, creating tight-knit communities connected through shared work, traditions, and religious practices. The region maintains strong cultural continuity despite significant political changes in South Africa's recent history.
Farm Life and Traditional Agriculture
The farming lifestyle shapes daily routines and social connections throughout the Northwest Province. Cattle farming represents one of the predominant agricultural activities, requiring dedicated management and consistent attention to maintain productive operations. Families often divide their time between farm responsibilities and occasional visits to nearby towns or resort areas where tourism provides alternative employment opportunities. Children from farming families typically develop strong connections to animals and outdoor activities, with many young people developing skills in horseback riding and animal care from an early age. These shared experiences create natural bonds between neighboring families who understand the demands and rewards of agricultural life.
The Afrikaner Community
Descendants of 17th-century European settlers maintain distinctive cultural practices and social networks throughout the Northwest Province. These Afrikaner families often connect through:
Regular Sunday church services
Community events and celebrations
Shared educational institutions
Musical traditions and performances at significant life events
While their political influence diminished following apartheid's end, Afrikaner cultural identity remains strong in rural areas. Traditional values emphasize family connections, self-sufficiency, and practical skills like hunting and outdoor activities. The community typically maintains close intergenerational relationships, with extended families playing important roles in children's upbringing. Educational choices often reflect this balance between tradition and changing opportunities, with boarding schools serving as important transitional spaces where young people maintain connections to their cultural roots while developing independence.
The Intriguing Relationship
Charell Meets Xander
Charell's life took an unexpected turn in March 2017 when she first noticed Xander, an 18-year-old graduate from her boarding school. His athletic build, thick dark hair, and striking green eyes immediately caught her attention. Despite having already graduated, Xander maintained connections with the local community and frequently visited areas near the boarding school.
Their initial interaction occurred during a school event where alumni, including Xander, had been invited to meet with current students. Though their first conversation was brief, a mutual attraction quickly developed. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with Xander devoting considerable attention to Charell during their first few weeks together.
Xander's Complex Family Background
Xander's personality had been shaped by a complicated upbringing. His parents, Monty and Mercia, divorced when he was young, leaving him to split his time between households. He primarily lived on his father's farm, located approximately 50 miles from Stella, while maintaining a less close relationship with his mother.
Mercia viewed Xander as her special child after experiencing multiple difficulties becoming a mother. She remained extremely protective and devoted, often defending his behavior as expressions of individuality. In contrast, Monty, a former police officer, raised his son with strict discipline and instilled in him a passion for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and sports.
Despite his athletic prowess and success in rugby during school years, Xander developed a problematic temperament. He frequently engaged in conflicts with teachers, arguments with classmates, and confrontations with adults. After graduation, he chose not to pursue higher education, instead helping his father on the farm and maintaining a minimal social media presence focused primarily on firearms and hunting trophies.
The Evolution of Charell and Xander's Connection
Before meeting Xander, Charell's days revolved around her rekindled friendship with Marna Engelbrecht. The two shared interests in animals and horseback riding, with Charell nurturing a passion for photography while Marna excelled academically with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.
When Xander entered Charell's life, he quickly established himself as an attentive partner. He worked diligently to make her happy, presenting himself as caring and devoted. Their relationship progressed to meeting family members, with Xander particularly eager to impress Charell's father.
The introduction to Ronnie, Charell's father, proceeded better than anticipated. Though initially cautious, Ronnie gradually warmed to Xander after observing his genuine interest in farming. Xander's offer to assist with farm work ultimately won Ronnie's approval, seemingly cementing his place in Charell's life. However, beneath this harmonious surface, certain aspects of Xander's personality suggested potential complications in their relationship.
Relationship Dynamics and Individual Character Profiles
Charell and Marna: Lifelong Connections
Charell and Marna shared a remarkable friendship that began in their early childhood years. Their bond, established during kindergarten, temporarily faded when they were separated but was powerfully rekindled when both enrolled at Stella boarding school for eighth grade. Their families had deep historical connections—Marna's mother had even played music at Charell's parents' wedding.
The girls complemented each other perfectly with their distinct personalities. Charell was known for her natural charisma and photographic talents, while Marna distinguished herself through academic excellence and a gentle, thoughtful nature that earned her the nickname "Marna Thinker" from her father. Both shared a passion for horses and rural life, reflecting their farming backgrounds.
At boarding school, they became inseparable, sharing a dorm room and spending virtually all their free time together. Their friendship provided crucial emotional support as they navigated the challenges of adolescence away from their families. The girls occasionally visited each other's homes on weekends, with Charell's father Ronnie treating Marna like another daughter.
Xander's Complex Background and Behavioral Patterns
Xander's life was marked by early difficulties that significantly shaped his personality. Born after his mother Mercia experienced multiple pregnancy complications, he became the center of her protective, devoted attention. Meanwhile, his father Monty, a former police officer, raised him with strict discipline and immersed him in traditionally masculine activities like hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports.
Despite his athletic prowess and success in rugby, Xander demonstrated concerning behavioral patterns throughout his school years:
Frequent conflicts with teachers and classmates
Difficulty managing his temper
Confrontational attitudes toward authority figures
When school administrators would summon his parents to discuss these issues, his mother consistently defended his actions as expressions of individuality rather than problematic behavior.
After graduation, Xander opted against further education, instead helping on his father's farm located about 50 miles from Stella. His minimal social media presence primarily showcased hunting trophies and firearms, reflecting his interests. Despite maintaining a relatively private life, his physical appearance—athletic build, dark hair, and striking green eyes—combined with his confident demeanor attracted attention, particularly from young women.
When Charell and Xander began dating in March 2017, he initially presented himself as attentive and devoted. He worked hard to impress her family, particularly winning over her father through shared farming interests. However, beneath his charming exterior lay concerning personality traits that would later become significant.
