Major Breakthrough in the Case of the Missing Blanche Van Der Westhuisen

Mr Moegamat Sallie and his girlfriend, 24 year old Blanche van der Westhuisen, went missing on the 7th August 2004 at 22h20 when they left her Bishop Lavis home and were reported missing by her family on Sunday 8th August 15H40 at the Bishop Lavis Police station.

On Sunday 08-08- 2004, at 10H00am, the body of 25 year old Moegamat Nur Salie was found with a gunshot wound to the head on an open field next to Rotterdam road, Mfuleni.

Subsequent to that, on the 17th and 18th of August 2004,the SAPS in the Western Cape arrested three persons with regard to the above-mentioned case. Two cell phones belonging to both victims were also found in their possession. They are Denver Beukes, Shawn Gordon and Raymondo Jack.

They have appeared in court on the 20th August and have been remanded in custody until tomorrow- 27th August 2004.

Further police investigation with the assistance of other policing units worked around the clock and during following up investigations, a 38-year-old man from the Bishop Lavis area, as well as three other persons aged 22 years, have been arrested.

The 38 year old man will be appearing at the Kuislriver Magistrate's court tomorrow ( Friday 27th August) and will be charged with murder.

All the arrested persons have been confirmed to be members of the notorious 28 gang.

This afternoon after intense investigation, the police were directed to a bush next to the R300 in the Kuilsriver area where the half naked body of a female was found in a shallow grave.

Further identification of the deceased will be confirmed once a forensic test have been finalised.

"But we can for now happily confirm that the body discovered is positively linked to that of Blanche Van der Westhuisen. " said Minister Ramatlakane

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Minister Ramatlakane and Provincial Commissioner Petros also went to the scene where the body was recovered .

Minister Ramtlakane and Provincial Commissioner Petros wish to thank the investigation team and the public for excellent investigative work and assistance rendered when they were called up to do so.

Enquiries: Makhaya Mani
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Community Safety
Cell: 082 780 4493