Heavy white smoke signalled the bush where 12-year-old Michelle Ambraal’s battered body was discovered in Foxgrove Street, Extension 31, Bethelsdorp.
Her body was discovered on Wednesday July 16, after she was last seen on Sunday night.
Today, Thursday July 17, angry residents stoked the flames while neighbours and community members joined the family at their home for a prayer service.
Diedre Ambraal (25), Michelle’s eldest sister, said she didn’t for one moment think that the body could be that of her little sister.
“My mother had to identify the body but I never thought that it could be Michelle,” she shared with the PE Express.
When the PE Express arrived at the family home, her mother sat weeping in a chair as residents surrounded the family in prayer.
“We are heartbroken, but I have to be strong for my mother,” said Deidre.
According to Ambraal, the last time her sister was seen alive was on Sunday.
“The last time my mother saw her was on Sunday night,” she recalled. “I went to work on Saturday night and slept the whole of Sunday.”
Meanwhile, a family friend described Michelle as sweet and “someone who couldn’t hurt a fly.”
“She was such a sweet child, she was never rude and could never hurt anyone or anything because she was very soft-hearted. She always had a smile on her face,” the woman said tearfully.
Lorna Manatees, a neighbour, shared how residents described the crime scene as gruesome.
“Those who were first to see the scene said it looked terrible, so I didn’t take a look. They said it was gruesome.”
Police spokesman Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg confirmed that a murder case has been opened for investigation.
“According to preliminary reports, at approximately 12:45, Bethelsdorp SAPS responded to a complaint at a bushy area,” she said. “On arrival they found the body of a 12-year-old girl with visible injuries. At this stage the cause of death is unknown and will be determined during the postmortem.”
Police are urging anyone who may have information regarding the murder to contact Detective Warrant Officer Allison Adams on 082 464 0208 or Crime Stop on 0860010111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
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