Three suspects have been arrested and have made their first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Chanelle Plaatjies.
Among the suspects is Keaton Johnson, who, according to the teenage girl’s family, was her boyfriend.
The other two accused are Bradley Mamani and Theodore Qatha.
According to Paarl Post, Johnson, with a visible 27 tattoo on his forehead, was cheerful during the court appearance and entered the accused bench with a smile, while heartbroken family members of Chanelle looked on.
The case has been postponed until June 26, when the accused will apply for bail.
The young girl’s body was found on June 2 in a shallow grave in a wooded area behind the Allandale Prison.
READ: Police confirm body found in Paarl East is Chanelle Plaatjies
According to the family, the search continued in the area after Johnson allegedly informed them from prison that he had murdered Chanelle and that her family should go and find her.
He was arrested on unrelated charges a few days before Chanelle’s lifeless body was exhumed.
The family said they welcomed the arrests.
Hester Plaatjies, Chanelle’s mother, says the murder of her daughter has left an indescribable pain in her heart.
Samuel Jacobs, Chanelle’s father, was also in court yesterday.
“I can only imagine what they did to my child. How she must have called me for help. Begged for her life. They are callous.”
A few hours after the court appearance, family members and community members attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the spot where the teen’s body was found.
She will be laid to rest on Saturday.
