‘Maar hoe?’ Octavia Swarts’ family left with questions after cousin’s release

Octavia’s caregiver, Cathleen Davids, holds two of the many academic trophies the 10-year-old received.

The family of 10-year-old Octavia Swarts, whose mutilated body was discovered near a farm dam in Joostenberg Vlakte on Monday, is distraught and left with even more questions after her 14-year-old cousin, who was arrested in connection with her murder, was released by the court.

According to Western Cape police, the boy was released into the care of his parents “in the interest of justice”, while the docket was handed back to SAPS for further investigation.

She was reportedly last seen with her cousin after he invited her to go for a run on the farm, her caregiver, Cathleen Davids, said on Tuesday.

Her body was discovered by a family member near a farm dam on Monday, with her face allegedly severely mutilated.

“Her cousin admitted to one of the other children on the farm that he first raped her, and then he used a rock to hit her in the face," an emotional Davids said.

“When we arrived at the dam, we were not allowed to see her. The police were already there. One of the police officers told me I would not want to see her in that state.

“All I want to know is why. Why would he do that to her? They have always been close and had a strong bond,” she added, staring into the distance.

The 14-year-old was arrested on Monday afternoon and was expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Daily Voice was still at the farmhouse when investigating officers arrived with the news that he had just been released.

Octavia’s body was found near a farm dam on Monday, a day after she reportedly went for a run on the farm with her cousin.

Western Cape police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the matter was not enrolled on the court roll following instructions from the National Prosecuting Authority.

“In the interest of justice, the boy was released in the care of his parents. Any further enquiries can be directed to the spokesperson of the NPA,” he said.

She added: "Dit is wat sy wou word – ’n onderwyser. (She wanted to be a teacher) And she worked hard at school. Just recently, she was a top achiever in her grade again. She would bring home certificates and a trophy.”