Body of naked woman found in Knysna forest

Published Apr 17, 2006

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By Caryn Dolley

Knysna police are urging the community to come forward with information regarding the murder of 34-year-old Rosetta de Lange, the third woman from the area to be murdered since October last year.

Her naked and partially decomposed body was discovered in the forest near to her Hornlee home on Friday.

Later the same day, her 29-year-old boyfriend was arrested in connection with the murder and is to appear in court on Monday.

Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said De Lange went missing last Sunday.

"She told her parents she was going to visit her boyfriend who lives in the Damsebos informal settlement.

"But she didn't return home and on Wednesday was reported missing by her parents.

"We're asking anyone with information, or who saw her during those days she was missing, to contact us. We're urging the community to work with us," he said.

On October 13 last year, the body of Jessica Wheeler, 19, was found in the garden of the St George's Anglican Church in the town.

Just over a month later, on November 15, the body of Victoria Stadler, 20, was discovered in the Noetzie forest.

Like De Lange, both bodies were only partially clothed, but Pojie said they had not linked the previous two murders to the latest one.

"At this stage there are no links but we're still investigating all possibilities," Pojie said.

Forensic experts had cordoned off the scene on Friday to retrieve evidence.

Pojie said they were investigating the cause of De Lange's death and autopsy results were expected by Thursday.

Anyone with information can contact Cornelius Jantjies on 082 388 4370.

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