DNA results have come back positive, matching those of Jerobejin van Wyk, 13, according to a family spokesperson.
CAPE TOWN – DNA results have come back positive, matching those of Jerobejin van Wyk, 13, according to a family spokesperson.
Jerobejin’s disappearance sparked an outcry in the small town of Klawer in the Western Cape two weeks ago.
Two days after his disappearance, train driver Daniel Smit, 56, was arrested after police found human remains believed to be Jerobejin’s on his property.
According to witnesses on the scene, the remains found in the sewerage pipes consisted of a lung, ear and skin.
Police confirmed that the DNA of the remains found were that of Jerobejin.
Jerobejin’s mother Triesa, at the time when the remains were found, told Independent Media that she had a strong feeling that the body parts belonged to her son.
According to reports, Smit had pursued Jerobejin and his friend in his bakkie after he spotted them picking mangoes from a tree on his property. He drove after the boys before he allegedly knocked Jerobejin over, put him in his bakkie and drove off.
Neighbours told Independent Media that Smit, who returned to the town in 2015, was a known Satanist who left the town and came back as a changed man.
At his first appearance, Smit’s lawyer Santie Human told the media outside court that her client opened up about belonging to an occult group and this drove him to kill teen.
DNA results confirmed Triesa’s maternal instinct that the remain belonged to her son.
Billy Claasen, executive director of Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, said Triesa was notified that the DNA results were a match.
“This is a really sad story, but we are pleased that the mother and immediate family can get closure now.
“From here on we will proceed with assistance for the family for the funeral or cremation if needs be.”
Claasen also added that Jerobejin’s family were struggling to pay for the funeral. He asked anyone who can assist to please do so.
“We welcome anything. From petrol money, to assistance in any form, lets take a bit of the burden off this grieving mother.”
Claasen can be contacted on 071 7405610.
