The human remains discovered on the property of murder suspect Daniel Smit belong to Jerobejin van Wyk of Klawer in the Western Cape, according to DNA research. Meanwhile, on February 16, another boy from the region, Anelisa Lathitha Sigwebedlana, was reported missing.
According to sources, Jerobeijin’s family learned on Wednesday that the remains discovered in Smit’s sewer systems belonged to the 13-year-old who vanished two weeks ago.
Smit allegedly hunted down the deceased and his companion who were collecting mangoes from a tree. Before putting his body in the back of his bakkie, he allegedly knocked Jerobejin over. By hiding under a bin, the friend was able to get away.
Santie Human, the accused’s lawyer, said Smit won’t apply for bail last week. In a statement, Smit alluded that he was influenced to commit the alleged murder by his past experiences with the occult.
Smit is charged with murder, kidnapping, defeating the ends of justice and assault GBH.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in the Western Cape Captain FC van Wyk said the mother, Zanele Sigwebedlana, of an 11-year-old boy reported her son missing on Wednesday.
Anelisa was last seen by his aunt on the 15th of February at around 16:00 at his house in the Riemvasmaak informal community in Klawer.
He was dressed in a grey shorts and a yellow long-sleeved t-shirt.
“To coordinate the search, a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) was established,” van Wyk added.
The inquiry is being led by the Vredendal Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS).
Members of the public with information that could help the investigation are encouraged to phone Detective Warrant Officer Maarman at 082-334-8931 or Crime Stoppers at 08600-1011.