Family approaches renowned forensic expert to help investigate Tokai teen killing

09 March 2016 - 16:28 By Jenna Etheridge
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Renowned forensic science expert Dr David Klatzow looks set to lend his skilled hand in the investigation into the murder of a teenage girl whose body was found in Tokai Forest, Cape Town.

Franziska Blöchliger was murdered in Tokai forest. file photo
Franziska Blöchliger was murdered in Tokai forest. file photo
Image: Ruvan Boshoff

Klatzow confirmed to News24 on Wednesday that he had been approached regarding Franziska Blöchliger's murder.

“The family have been in contact yesterday [Tuesday],” he said.

Asked for more details on his exact role or what services he would offer, he replied “I can’t tell you anything more.”

Franziska's body was found on Monday. It's believed she was jogging through the forest earlier that afternoon while on an outing with her mother.

According to reports, Franziska was strangled and her body was dumped in bushes.

Crime scene

Klatzow said he could not comment on the complications of a crime scene out in nature as he had not yet been to the scene.

“I will be able to comment on the complications once I have seen the scene of the crime.”

According to his CV, Klatzow has more than 28 years experience and has investigated over 2 000 cases ranging from criminal matters to civil disputes.

He has lent his scientific knowledge and investigative skills to a number of high profile cases.

These included the murders of mining magnate Brett Kebble and the Gugulethu 7.

He also established the first private forensic laboratory in South Africa in 1984.

On Wednesday, the Constantia Waldorf School board of trustees’ director Thomas Knemeyer told News24 that the teen’s phone “pinged” in Westlake at 21:00 on Monday.

He said the family had hired the services of a private investigator.

Arrests

Police said three suspects were arrested on Tuesday evening in connection with the killing.

"Three suspects between the ages of 22 and 27 are being detained for questioning in connection with the murder of Franziska Blöchliger after their arrest last night," Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said on Wednesday.

"The circumstances surrounding the case are still under investigation and no further information can be released at this stage."

The teen’s parents, Florian and Shireen Blöchliger, on Tuesday offered a R50 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

In a recorded interview with various media houses, Florian appealed for help in finding the killer.

"Not only that we can put him in jail, but that he can't do it to somebody else, because if he's done something like that once, he will do it again... maybe he has done it already before."

Source: News24

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