The heartbroken mother of Abieda Paulse, 9, who was swept away in the Vygieskraal canal on Thursday July 9, says she is expecting DNA results today, Wednesday July 29, to confirm that a recovered body is that of her daughter.
A girl’s decomposed body was recovered in the Liesbeek River, under the M5 bridge on Monday July 20.
Malieka Paulse confirmed the clothes on the body matched those her daughter had worn on the day she fell into the canal. However, an autopsy and DNA tests will be needed to confirm it is little Abieda.
“This is very difficult. I am grateful for all the support my family and I have received from the community,” Ms Paulse said.
On Tuesday July 21, the body of a man was found floating in the Bokmakierie canal. It is believed to be Yusuf Kiriboto. Eyewitness said a man jumped into the canal to save Abieda, but the strong current also swept him away.
Provincial police spokesman, Captain FC Van Wyk, said an inquest docket had been registered for investigation and autopsies would be done to determine the cause of the deaths and the identities of the bodies.
According to a Daily Voice report, Mr Kiriboto’s nephew was present when the man’s body was recovered, and he identified the clothes as those worn by his uncle.
Ms Paulse said her “happy, playful, talkative” daughter had been looking forward to her 10th birthday on Sunday August 16.