The body of missing Desiree Baartman was recovered last night, 20 June in a stormwater drain next to Standford Road near the Jagtersvlakte area.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said at about 21:00 last night, SAPS Betheldorp detectives, with the assistance of the K9 Search and Rescue and Diving Unit, recovered her body, which was thrown down a 3,7 metre stormwater drain.
“An autopsy will be done to determine the exact cause of death,” Naidu said.
The discovery of her body comes just a few hours after a prayer session was held at Desiree’s home in Nagel Street, Extension 29 in Bethelsdorp to pray for her safe return.
Johnny Baartman (58), Desiree’s ex-husband, appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court yesterday and was provisionally charged with premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice. He remained in custody.
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“Baartman is expected back in court today on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice,” Naidu said.
Desiree has been missing since Friday, 9 June. Concerned family members, whom she regularly visited, enquired about Desiree’s whereabouts when they could not trace her.
Baartman, who is her ex-husband but still shared a house with Desiree, reported her missing on Wednesday, June 14 at SAPS Bethelsdorp, about five days after she was last seen.
