Man arrested after Elsies River toddler's body found in shallow grave

15 May 2017 - 12:17 By Petru Saal
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Handcuffs and a gavel. File photo.
Handcuffs and a gavel. File photo.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

A 40-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of three-year-old Courtney Pieters‚ whose body was found in a shallow grave on Saturday.

The little girl from Elsies River in Cape Town had been missing for almost two weeks. Her body was found during an extensive search in the Epping Industrial area.

Police spokesman Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the arrest early on Monday.

"The 40-year-old suspect was arrested at Saturn Close‚ Salberau‚ Elsies River‚ and once he has been charged‚ he is expected to appear in Goodwood Magistrate's Court on a charge of murder‚" he said.

"Crimes against women and children are a top priority for the Western Cape Police and we will pursue every avenue to apprehend offenders."

The Western Cape Department of Social Development provided counselling to her family.

MEC for Social Development Albert Fritz said while she was missing: "The recent incidents of missing or abducted children‚ child abuse and murders reveal that for some of our children‚ life isn't as carefree and safe as it should be."

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now