Girl, 15, found dead close to Tokai Forest

A 15-YEAR-old girl was found dead near Tokai Forest yesterday, hours after she was reported missing.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut confirmed the body was found in Dennendal Road. He said the teenager was possibly strangled.

Traut said the girl had been reported missing just a few hours before her body was found.

“She was reported missing earlier after going jogging and failing to return.”

The police spokesman said the circumstances surrounding the murder were being investigated and there had been no arrests.

Kirstenhof Crime Watch chairman Sean Powell said the police were at the scene, but were unable to comment because the incident was under investigation.

Merle Collins, spokeswoman for SANParks which manages the forest, said management was still shocked by the incident.

“It’s a huge shock. Tokai Forest is an extremely popular and well used place.

“We are also still waiting for answers.”

On Twitter, people expressed distress, wanting to find out more about what had taken place.

Rachelle tweeted: “Am devastated that a young girl was apparently killed in Tokai forest just before I got there earlier. My heart bleeds for her family.”

Lynn Huskisson said: “@SANParks what has happened at Tokai forest today, lots (of) ambulances and security milling around at 6pm as I came past?”