The body of a missing 10-year-old girl found dumped in a canal
On Sunday, March 12, 2023, the body of a 10-year-old girl who went missing was discovered in a Cape Town canal.
Denecke Presence vanished on March 11 and was last seen at the Macassar’s taxi rank.
Shocked residents who had been part of a search team made the discovery just after 2 pm in Marvin Park.
At the time of her disappearance, Denecke was wearing a pink and blue top, blue jeans, and black takkies.
The police stated that they had opened an inquest docket, but they were yet to confirm whether there was foul play.
The child’s frantic family also took to social media when she went missing, appealing for assistance in finding her.
The local police station reported her missing and a flyer about her missing person was distributed to the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit.
Captain Frederick Van Wyk (police spokesperson) confirmed the news in a Monday statement.
“An inquest case was registered for investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” he said.
Strand Community Policing Forum also released a statement on the tragedy:
“As the CPF of Strand in joint integrated with role-players, Helderberg Crime Watch, CPF NHW, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Macassar SAPS, CPF, NHW Law enforcement searching for the missing of Denecke Presence led to the recovery of her body,” the statement read.
“As the CPF of Strand (we) want to express our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of their beloved bright young child in the circumstances of this tragic incident at this young age.”
“Thank you Mrs. Lillian Albertyn CPF, NHW, Co-ordinator of Strand for reaching out and going the extra mile collaborating with other external role-players where assistance was needed, and are very grateful for having you at our functionary CPF of Strand.”
