Bodies of missing Van Dyk Park youths found buried at nearby property
Investigations are still underway with the cause of death yet to be established.
The Van Dyk Park community is reeling following the discovery of the bodies of two missing young people, who were found buried at a Wildevy Street property, yesterday (August 30).
According to Wendy Pascoe, of Pascoe Investigations and Missing in Southern Africa, who was assisting the families of Jessica Rabe (20) and Yudistan Pillay (25), the two were reported missing at the Dawn Park SAPS on July 27.
“I became involved in the case after it was reported that Jessica had allegedly been assaulted and her cellphone was stolen. The two had not been seen or heard from since,” said Pascoe.
Missing persons posters were continuously circulated through the Van Dyk Park Community Patrollers Initiative, Boksburg 911, and other community WhatsApp platforms.
“Information received indicated that the pair were travelling on foot between Van Dyk Park and Farrar Park, where they would seek temporary accommodation at various properties, at times sleeping on the streets. However, they did not stay in one place for too long,” Pascoe said.
On August 28, Pascoe’s investigations led to information regarding the whereabouts of Rabe and Pillay.
The new information was handed to the SAPS and a full-scale search and recovery operation was launched, focussing on the Wildevy Street property.
“Members of the SAPS Search and Rescue as well as the Forensic Pathology Unit were deployed and extensive search operations were mobilised,” she said.
Shortly after 18:00, both victims’ bodies were recovered where they had been partially buried under the house.
Both victims have been positively identified by their next of kin; however, the cause of death is yet to be established.
Three suspects have been arrested, with more arrests expected. Investigations are continuing.
“This is not the outcome we had hoped for. The loss of two young lives is tragic,” said Pascoe.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and hope that justice will prevail.”
At the time of publication, no comment had been received from the SAPS Gauteng Provincial spokesperson.
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