The family of 29-year-old Donelle Links has shared an emotional statement confirming her death and thanking those who helped search for her.

Earlier, the family confirmed that the burnt body discovered at a dumping site in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, was that of Donelle.

Links disappeared on 16 October, sparking a desperate search by family and friends. A body, which was burnt beyond recognition, was discovered the following day near a wheelie bin at the corner of Hugenote Street and AZ Berman Drive.

On Tuesday, 27 October, her family confirmed the worst:

“It is with broken hearts that we confirm that the body that was found burned is our beloved Donelle Links. Our sister, our daughter, our family. Gone too soon, in the cruellest way,” the family said.

They also thanked everyone who had helped with the search, shared appeals on social media and supported them during the ordeal.

“We are broken, but we are holding on to each other. Rest in peace, Donelle. Forever in our hearts. Forever loved. Forever missed,” the statement reads.

Family sought answers after disappearance

According to a report by News24, Links’ father, Donald Fortune, said private DNA testing returned a 99% match, confirming her identity.

Fortune said detectives had advised the family to pursue private testing in the hope of obtaining answers sooner.

He described being torn between relief at finally having confirmation and anger over the circumstances of his daughter’s death.

Links lived independently but remained close to her family and was in daily contact with her father. Concern grew when calls and messages went unanswered, and relatives found her home locked.

Her family reported her missing on 16 October, with assistance from the Faith and Hope Missing Persons organisation.

The discovery of a burnt woman’s body at a dumping site in Tafelsig the following day prompted further concern as the search continued.

Suspect appears in court

A 31-year-old man, Ronald Yon, appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court in connection with Links’ murder on Friday, 23 October.

According to information provided about the case, Yon was denied bail and the matter was postponed to 17 November 2026.

A second suspect, Virgil Rossou, is reportedly facing charges of intimidation and obstructing justice in connection with the investigation.

The family’s statement has prompted an outpouring of support for those mourning her death, as they ask the public to keep them in their prayers.