San-Marie Rousseou, 14, was found unharmed in Louis Trichardt on Tuesday. Picture supplied
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services that was involved in the investigation in locating San-Marie Rousseou, 14, has handed over three possible suspects to the police.
The teenager went missing from her home in Postmasburg during the evening of December 12 and was found unharmed on December 17 in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo province.
The police on Tuesday stated that they had escalated the investigation into an abduction case.
Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis in a media statement indicated that the successful investigation that led to finding Rousseou was attributed to the diligent efforts of specialist investigators Odette van Staden and Danie Pita from Louis Trichardt.
Bolhuis indicated that Rousseou left her mother's residence in Postmasburg to be with her 22-year-old boyfriend.
“However, due to the nationwide search efforts and the mounting pressure applied by the investigative teams, the couple were found hiding in Tshikota, a township area in Louis Trichardt.
“Pita and his team identified three suspects in this instance and SAPS cases were opened.”
He pointed out that specialist investigators faced significant challenges when minors ran away out of their own free will.
“The situation creates substantial strain on police, private investigators and other resources. It also has legal repercussions.
“This successful outcome underscores the importance of swift action, collaborative efforts and community vigilance in locating missing persons.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals while working alongside trusted partners to resolve cases effectively.
“We would like to thank everyone involved for their cooperation and persistence in finding the missing teenager and ensuring her safety.”
Bolhuis added that a social worker had been assigned to provide support services to Rousseau.