Heartbreaking Confirmation: DNA Brings Finality
On Wednesday, 11 June 2025, the Plaatjies family received the devastating news they had long feared: DNA tests confirmed that the body exhumed from a makeshift grave in Paarl East belongs to 16‑year‑old Chanelle Plaatjies. Despite clinging to hope, they must now face a painful reality.
Timeline of a Disappearance: From Hope to Despair
- 14 May 2025: Chanelle was last seen in Paarl East.
- 28 May 2025: Her mother reports her missing—believing Chanelle would return as she often did.
- 2 June 2025: Chanelle’s sisters discover one of her shoes in a wooded area about 1 km from home. The discovery leads to a shallow grave excavation where a body is found.
- 11 June 2025: DNA results confirm the body is Chanelle’s.
Family Speaks Out: Request for Space and Justice
Chanelle’s older sister, Melleney Hugo, shared through tears:
“We have had meetings the whole day, and all we want to do as the family is to mourn Chanelle and arrange her funeral. We need space, and we can’t comment on anything.”
Their pain is compounded by a plea:
“We would like to request that the police keep the investigating officer and not hand the case over to other officers,” they said, recalling delays in the investigation of another child’s case.
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Community Support: Compassion in Action
Billy Classen, chairperson of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, pledged full support:
“We will take care of everything, from arranging the funeral to the burial.”
Context: A Nationwide Crisis of Missing Children
South Africa faces a deep crisis: over the past three years, more than 2,000 children have been reported missing—more than 700 remain unaccounted for. On average, 1,697 children go missing each year—approximately one every five hours. Although 77% are eventually found, nearly 23% are never located.
Lessons from Chanelle’s Tragic Case
This case is a powerful reminder that:
- Every hour counts. Don’t delay in reporting a missing child.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, act immediately.
- Communities save lives. Local vigilance often plays the key role.
Safety Tips for Families
To better protect yourself and those you love:
- Report missing relatives instantly—no waiting period.
- Establish regular check-ins, especially during outings or sleepovers.
- Educate children about safe and unsafe situations without instilling fear.
- Monitor online activity—cyber safety is crucial.
- Save essential numbers—SAPS, Missing Children SA, and Childline.
A Reflection and Open Invitation
Chanelle’s family continues to grapple with the unimaginable loss.
What can your community do to ensure no more children go missing or forgotten? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
Call to Action: Amplify the Message
📢 Share this story. Spread awareness. Stay alert.
If you have any information related to Chanelle’s disappearance, contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.
To report or seek help in any missing person case, please use this official link
— Article by Zinhle Cele for Missing Person South Africa
📧 zinhle.cela@missingpersonsa.co.za
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🔗 Report a missing person
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