Octavia Swarts murder: Teen, 14, arrested after girl found near dam

Ten-year-old Octavia Swarts reportedly went for a run with her teenage cousin on a Sunday afternoon. By the following morning, her family had found her dead near a dam in Joostenberg Vlakte.

Police have since arrested a 14-year-old relative in connection with her murder.

Octavia, a Grade 4 learner at Joostenberg Primary School, disappeared on Sunday, 13 September.

Her family started searching when she failed to return home by about 5pm. Relatives said Octavia normally kept to her curfew and her disappearance immediately raised alarm.

They searched the farm, contacted police and called on community members to help as the search continued into the night.

Octavia disappeared after going for a run

According to a report, Octavia had gone running with her cousin on the farm that afternoon.

The teenager returned without her.

Relatives said he indicated that Octavia had also returned home. When the family realised she had not, they began searching the surrounding area.

By about 11pm, relatives had checked the places Octavia usually visited and called on other residents to join the search.

Their search ended in tragedy the next morning when family members found Octavia’s body near a dam in Joostenberg Vlakte on Monday, 14 September.

The discovery came on the same day the family of murdered Kempton Park runner Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo formally identified her body at the Germiston mortuary.

Family describes disturbing discovery

According to a report, Octavia’s relatives described a disturbing scene where they found the 10-year-old.

The family said they noticed visible injuries, blood and marks at the scene. They also alleged that marks on the ground suggested someone had moved Octavia’s body before leaving her near the dam.

Police have not publicly confirmed all the family’s claims, and the allegations have not yet been tested in court.

Investigators continue working to establish exactly what happened to the child.

Teen arrested, released and rearrested

Police arrested the 14-year-old boy on Monday, 14 September, after Octavia’s body was found.

He was due to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court the following day. However, prosecutors did not enrol the matter and referred the docket back to police for further investigation. Police then released the teenager into the care of his parents.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said authorities made the decision “in the interest of justice”.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila also confirmed that prosecutors had referred the docket back to police for further investigation.

Police rearrested the teenager on Thursday, 17 September.

He appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court the following day, where the court remanded him while investigators continued working on the case.

Family says Octavia and accused were close

The arrest has deepened the family’s grief because relatives say Octavia shared a close relationship with the teenager accused of killing her.

According to a report, the two regularly spent time together and attended school together.

Her relatives are now struggling to understand what happened during the hours between Octavia leaving home and the discovery of her body.

Davids described Octavia as a loving child who had spent her life on the farm.

“She grew up here, she was everyone’s child,” she said.

Octavia dreamed of becoming a teacher

Octavia attended Joostenberg Primary School, where she excelled academically.

Her family said the Grade 4 learner regularly brought home certificates and awards and dreamed of becoming a teacher.

Her death has devastated her family, classmates and teachers.

Loved ones have since gathered to remember the 10-year-old ahead of her funeral, expected to take place on Wednesday, 23 September.