The peaceful town of Paarl in the Western Cape has been rocked by the discovery of a young woman’s body in a bushy area near a local dam. Although police have yet to confirm the victim’s identity, residents believe it may be the remains of 16-year-old Channelle Plaatjies, who was reported missing last month.
Channelle disappeared on May 14, 2025, but her mother only reported her missing two weeks later, on May 28. According to Brigadier Novela Potelwa of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the delay in filing the report was due to Channelle’s history of leaving home for extended periods without notifying anyone, only to return later.
The case took a grim turn on Monday, June 2, when forensic teams were called to a scene near the Allandale Correctional Facility in the Paarl East area. Authorities had received a tip after a shoe was discovered close to a hole in the woods. Upon investigating, they found the body of a female, which has yet to be officially identified.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that the police have opened a murder investigation. “We can confirm that forensic experts responded to information which led to the recovery of a body. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. No arrests have been made at this stage,” Swartbooi said.
Despite official caution, local residents and community leaders are convinced the body is that of Channelle Plaatjies. Billy Claasen, Executive Director of the Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, was present at the scene alongside Channelle’s family. He stated, “The body found behind the Allandale Correctional Facility is that of Channelle Plaatjies.”
At the time of her disappearance, Channelle was wearing a grey jersey and maroon track pants. While there is speculation that a suspect was briefly taken into custody due to outstanding drug-related charges, police have made it clear that no one has been arrested in connection with the murder itself.
Claasen claimed that police detained a suspect after discovering he was wanted for other offenses, but this has not been officially linked to the murder investigation. “They saw on the system that he is wanted for other cases,” Claasen explained.
The tragic case has stirred deep concern in the community, with residents demanding answers and justice for the young girl. Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS mobile app.
As the investigation continues, the community of Paarl holds its breath, hoping for answers and closure in a case that has shaken them to the core. The official identification of the body and results from the autopsy are expected in the coming days.