Child Protection Week: Missing teenager the silver bullet to reinforce safety - DA WC

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape says it hopes the disappearance of 16-year-old Channelle Plaatjies during Child Protection Week will be the spark that brings about change to protect young lives.

The community of Paarl East has rallied to search for the teen, who was reported missing last week.

During a search on Monday, police discovered the body of a person in a bushy area behind Allandale Prison in Paarl.

However, the body is yet to be positively identified, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, said, "It is with deep sorrow that we as the Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape stand with the Plaatjies family and the broader Paarl community in this time of anguish and uncertainty. We remain resolute to protect every child in this province through the various parliamentary processes."