Fears for missing girl as body found
Family of teenager clings to hope it’s not their daughter
THE FAMILY of a missing teenage girl are clinging to the hope that a body found in Kalk Bay yesterday is not their daughter. Micheala Adriaanse, 16, a Grade 9 pupil at Crystal Secondary School in Hanover Park, went missing last Thursday.
She and four friends went on their own excursion to Muizenberg on the day they were supposed to be at their school’s surf walk.
Her friends told the family Micheala left with an unidentified male and never returned.
Yesterday, at about 9.40am, a body was found in the mountains above Kalk Bay.
Police spokesman Colonel Tembinkosi Kinana said the body was that of a young female with “extensive injuries”.
“The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed and police are looking into the possibility that the deceased is the missing person that was reported earlier.”
Micheala’s aunt, Cherene Smith, said the family was at the scene when the body was discovered.
She said although there were some items found at the scene, including a pair of takkies that belonged to Micheala, the identity of the deceased could not be confirmed.
“We care and love her so much. We are really hoping and praying that it is not her.”
The family is expecting a call from the police’s forensics team today to tell them when they can identify the body.
They were told to leave the scene yesterday in case they contaminated any evidence.
Smith said the family was anxious about the identification process.
“We have prepared for the worst, but we are trying our utmost best not to give in to that thought.”
Micheala’s mother, Felicia Adriaanse, was unable to talk to the Cape Argus. Last year she had a stroke and is still recovering.
Her sisters, Jodie, 21 and Nadine, 25, said they were heartbroken and were holding thumbs for their youngest sister’s return.
“I saw her the day before she went missing and she was her normal self. She didn’t tell me about their planned trip but she and I are very close,” said Jodie.
She was already missing her sister and “that caring smile Micheala had”.
“I feel heartbroken. I just want to feel her presence and see her smile again. This is the first time I am going so long without seeing her.
“She is very feisty and cheeky and a person who loves laughing. She would never run away from us like this.”
The Adriaanse home in Hanover Park was packed with residents who had come to show their support.
Some of Micheala’s friends were also there.
“The community has been going with us to Muizenberg and Kalk Bay every day since Micheala has been missing. They come to the house for follows-ups, to check on leads and also just to offer prayers,” said Smith.
“When we returned from the Kalk Bay police station the house was crowded with people coming to convey their condolences. I personally stopped that until the body has been identified.”
Muizenberg Community Police Forum chairman Frank Borkhorst said he was shocked by the incident.
He said that about two months ago a body had been found on the mountains.
“The body was of an elderly man. This now raises concerns for us because Kalk Bay was never considered a crime hot spot. Normally places like Vrygrond in Capricorn are. This is disturbing news to us.”
Kinana said a case of murder was being investigated and no arrests had been made.
He urged anyone with information to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.