Western Cape Police say a 14-year-old boy, initially arrested following the discovery of a young girl’s body in a dam in Kraaifontein on Monday, has been released into the care of his parents.

Officers say the matter was not enrolled at court roll due to instructions given by the National Prosecuting Authority.

The body of the 10-year-old girl was found in the Joostenberg Vlakte area, with spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala noting that the incident was reported on Monday, 14 September 2026.

The Kraaifontein SAPS initially opened an inquest docket for further investigation into the matter.

“This office confirms that Kraaifontein police opened an inquest docket after a body of a 10-year-old girl was found in a dam at Joostenbergvlakte on Monday 14 September 2026 at about 08:30,” said Gwala’s original statement.

Later, on Tuesday morning, Gwala confirmed the arrest of the young suspect in connection with this case, noting that he is scheduled to appear in court on the same day.

“This office can confirm that a 14 year old boy was arrested on a charge of murder and is due to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court, 15 September 2026,” said Gwala.

By the afternoon, the boy was released into the custody of his parents, “in the interests of justice.”

Monday’s discovery drew community members to the scene, including Kraaifontein resident and Patriotic Alliance member Casmino Jacobs.

Jacobs alleged that the girl’s family and other residents had contacted Kraaifontein police several times before officers arrived. He also raised concerns about the examination of the scene, alleging that forensic personnel had initially overlooked possible evidence, including a hair and blood, and later returned to the area.

Jacobs later shared on social media that the victim, identified as Octovia Swart, had disappeared on Sunday afternoon.