Murder Probe in Hout Bay Yields Arrests

Published on

19 February 2026

Three people have been arrested for the murder of an unidentified person found in Hout Bay on Tuesday.

Also read: Mystery Body Sparks Investigation in Hout Bay

The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Ndakhe Gwala, says the trio were arrested earlier today and are due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

While the identity of the deceased has not been confirmed, speculation has emerged that the body may belong to a 17-year-old who disappeared on Valentine’s Day.

DNA testing is currently underway to determine if the remains are those of the missing teen.

Candice van der Rheede, founder and director of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit cautioned that DNA investigations can take time.

“I am not sure how long it will take for the results to be released. It depends on whether testing is done privately or through the government. Private takes a few days, while government can take months.”

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

Loushé Jordaan Gilbert has been telling community stories since 2014. She began her career as a community journalist, dedicated to amplifying local voices and shedding light on the everyday realities communities face.