Police have arrested a suspect in the rape and murder of Johannesburg schoolteacher Kirsten Kluyts.
Kirsten Kluyts murder suspect in custody: Here’s what we know
The Gauteng police successfully detained a 21-year-old Sandton student linked to the Kirsten Kluyts murder case.
The arrest occurred at a student residence at 16:00 on Sunday, following a collaborative effort between the police and 24/7 Security Management.
Utilising surveillance footage from the Sandton Sports Club, where Kluyts was last seen, was instrumental in tracking down the suspect.
The club’s extensive security measures, including CCTV cameras, provided crucial evidence. While police haven’t said much, they did confirm the suspect was identified wearing Kluyts’ blue T-shirt as he exited the sports complex, a significant lead that contributed to his apprehension.
Kluyts, a respected schoolteacher, was participating in the MyRun event at the Sandton Sports Club on 29 October 2023. Tragically, she was attacked, dragged away, raped, and murdered.
Her absence was noted when she did not arrive at the finish line by 09:00, leading concerned runners to discover her body at 09:30.
The murder of Kluyts has been particularly shocking due to its occurrence during an organised event within a guarded, enclosed sports complex in an upscale gated community in Sandton.
The perpetrator’s audacity in leaving the scene wearing her clothes and sports watch, and carrying his own black T-shirt, added to the heinous nature of the crime.
Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, Gauteng’s police commissioner, praised the detectives for their swift action in cracking this murder case.
Their efforts have brought a measure of relief to the community and Kluyts’ loved ones, though the incident has left a lasting impact on the area’s sense of security.