Tokai murder accused also charged with rape
Police are probing charges of murder, rape and robbery in connection with the killing of 16-year-old Franziska Blöchliger, the court was told.
|||Cape Town - Police are investigating charges of murder, rape and robbery with aggravated circumstances in connection with the killing of 16-year-old Franziska Blöchliger at the Tokai Forest, it was revealed in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
A total of four suspects, all in their 20s, have been linked to the killing at the popular picnic and hiking spot on Monday.
In court it emerged that they face one count of murder, three of rape and one of robbery with aggravated circumstances, although in court the State did not specify who was facing what charges.
According to the State, semen had been found at the scene and been sent for analysis.
Franziska was found murdered on Monday after the 16-year-old had separated from her mother at Tokai forest to go for a run. Her body was discovered roughly 200 metres from the meeting point her and her mother had agreed on.
Earlier supporters of the slain teen and her family stood outside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
“Franziska was one of our pupils so we have a responsibility to show support,” said Thomas Knemeyer, a parent and member of the board of trustees at the Constantia Waldorf School, Franziska’s school.
Knemeyer said the murder was the worst thing to happen at the school.
“It’s bizarre,” said Knemeyer.
“On one hand, it’s business as usual because school must go on. But every now and then students will come by flooded in tears,” he said.
Displaying a placard with acknowledgement of the group Women of Westlake, Knemeyer also applauded the women who apparently assisted police in apprehending the suspects.
According to reports, the three suspects tried to sell Franziska’s iPhone to various Westlake residents.
The trio then allegedly approached a foreign national on Tuesday to buy the phone. The buyer then switched on the phone and police were able to trace its signal.
The buyer then pointed out the men who sold the phone.
African News Agency