The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann continued to grip the world as May 3rd marked eight years since the then 3-year-old UK girl vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal.
One of the most heavily reported cases in history, many are still wondering if the cute little blonde girl, also known as Maddie, is still alive.
Maddie was reported missing at 22:14 on 3 May 2007.
The toddler and her twin siblings were left asleep in the apartment while the parents went out for dinner about 50 metres away.
According to reports, Maddie’s parents were unable to attend her 8th anniversary ceremony as her grandfather was ill.
Her mother, Kate McCann, sent a message which was read out at the annual prayer service in her home village, saying: “The will to find Madeleine is still as great.”
South Africa’s own tragedy linked to the disappearance of children was marked on 15 January.
On this day it was 25 years since paedophile and serial killer Gert Van Rooyen shot and killed his accomplice girlfriend and himself after police cornered them near their Pretoria home in 1990.
Van Rooyen’s Capital Park home, dubbed the House of Horrors, gained attention in the late 80s after Van Rooyen and his partner, Joey Haarhoff, abducted and apparently murdered at least six young girls.
The victims were never found.
Van Rooyen was traced by police after one of his kidnapped victims managed to escape.
Also read:
Serial killer artwork makes impact
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
