A body has been discovered during the search for 16-year-old Chanelle Plaatjies, who went missing from Paarl more than three weeks ago. The discovery was made on Monday, 2 June, near a dam on the outskirts of the Allandale Correctional Centre. While the community fears the worst, police have not yet confirmed the identity of the victim.
The Western Cape police said it responded to a tip-off and found a female’s body wrapped in a black bag in a shallow grave.
“We can confirm that forensic experts responded to information which led to the recovery of a body of a victim near a local dam in Paarl policing precinct. The body is yet to be 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,” said provincial police spokesperson, Warrant officer Joseph Swartbooi.
With the identity of the body still not known, Swartbooi has advised that the investigation into Plaatjies disappearance continues.
“The circumstances surrounding the missing person’s enquiry registered with Paarl East Police on Wednesday 28 May 2025 for further investigation are still under investigation,” said Swartbooi.
According to a social media post by the South African Police Service, the teen had been missing since 14 May 2025 – but her disappearance was not initially flagged.
“[The victim’s mother] did not report Chantelle missing then because she usually stays away for long periods but comes back eventually,” read the statement.
According to Edgar J Petersen, spokesperson for the Paarl East Community Policing Forum, the search was guided by information allegedly received from an inmate at Allandale prison.
He also noted that Chanelle’s sister played a key role in locating the site.
Petersen, who has been following the case, said his thoughts are with Chanelle’s family during this time.
“[The family] must know that we are praying for them in this dark time and they can be sure of our support in this time,” said Petersen.
Authorities continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
“DNA testing is yet to be conducted on the body to determine whether it is that of the missing teenager, Chantelle Plaatjies,” read the police statement.
*This is a developing story
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