News24 | Body found near dam during search for missing Western Cape teen

While searching for a missing 16-year-old girl on Monday, Western Cape police officers recovered a body near a dam in Paarl.

While searching for a missing 16-year-old girl on Monday, Western Cape police officers recovered a body near a dam in Paarl.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the body, which was dug up from a shallow grave, has not been identified.

“An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Paarl police registered a murder for further investigation. The suspects are yet to be arrested,” he said.

The discovery was made during a community-led search for Chanelle Plaatjies, who was last seen on 14 May.

READ | Missing woman’s body found wrapped in carpet, hidden under boyfriend’s bed

Rural and Farmworkers and Development Organisation spokesperson Billy Claasen believes the body, which was found near the Allandale Correctional Centre, could be that of the missing teen.

But Swartbooi said: “The circumstances surrounding the missing persons enquiry registered with Paarl East police on Wednesday for further investigation are still under investigation.”

In February, the body of 17-year-old Ongeziwe Kamlana was found burnt beyond recognition in Kuils River.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with her murder

The Gugulethu matric pupil’s body was found two weeks after she was reported missing by her mother.

She was last seen on her way home from extra classes at Fezeka Secondary School on 17 February.

*The story has been updated to reflect that the body was dug up from a shallow grave near a dam, and not found in a dam.