A 14-year-old boy believed to be a relative of 10-year-old Octavia Swarts has been arrested following the gruesome discovery of her body alongside a dam in Joostenberg Vlakte.
The teenager was expected to appear in court on Tuesday, a day after Octavia’s body was found, bringing a tragic end to a frantic search by her family and the community.
Octavia disappeared from her family home on Sunday after reportedly going for a run with her cousin.
A family member said concern started growing when the Grade 4 learner failed to return home by 5pm, something they said was completely out of character for the little girl.
“She always came home. Everyone knew her. She was friendly, never disrespectful, and she did very well at school,” the relative said.
According to the family, Octavia’s cousin returned from the run and indicated that she had also returned home.
However, when the family could not find her, they began searching the surrounding area and approached police for assistance.
The relative said that by about 11pm, with no sign of Octavia and having checked every place they thought she would be, the family began calling on members of the community to help with the search.
The search continued until the devastating discovery of her body near a dam.
It is alleged that someone linked to the case pointed out to authorities where Octavia’s body was. Her family claimed that when she was found, she was covered in blood and had visible blue marks on her body.
There were also drag marks on the ground and a braid found on the scene.
The precise circumstances surrounding her death and the teenager’s alleged involvement remain the subject of a police investigation. The allegations against the child suspect have not yet been tested in court.
News of Octavia’s death has devastated the close-knit community and her school, where she was remembered as a much-loved learner.
Joostenberg Primêre Skool said it was with deep sadness that its school family was saying goodbye to Octavia, who was a Grade 4 learner at the school.
“Our hearts go out to Octavia’s parents, family, friends, classmates, and everyone whose life she touched,” the school said in a tribute.
It added that it hoped her loved ones would find comfort, strength, and peace in the memories she left behind.
“Sometimes a small life leaves a great emptiness, but also an eternal trail of love in our hearts,” the school said.
“Rest softly, dear Octavia. Your place in our school family will always be remembered.”
