UPDATE: Police berate teen murder social media commentators

TOTI police have called on the community to desist from speculating on social media about possible suspects in the murder of 18-year-old Shannon Roberts, whose body was found in coastal bush next to a pathway near the lifesaving club in Doonside on Friday afternoon, 14 November.

 
The police investigation is being frustrated by ongoing rumour-mongering on social media platforms and has apparently been hamstrung by the interference of people at the crime scene, whose actions have resulted in potential witnesses being reluctant to come forward with information.

 
“It is vital that the public knows that crime scenes are cordoned off by police, and only police can comment on anything at the scene of a crime,” said Toti SAPS spokesman, Capt Charlene van der Spuy. “We urge all witnesses who saw anything in the vicinity of the pathway on Friday to come forward and speak to the investigating officer, W/O TC Nyawose.”

 
Witnesses can call W/O Nyawose on 031-913-1327 or 031-913-1325.

 
The body of the 18-year-old was discovered at about 1pm on Friday. Her shoes were found close by, along with a few ‘bankies’ (clear money bags) of dagga.

 
Metro Police Dog Unit responded and Toti SAPS cordoned off the scene, which runs alongside a path from nearby flats to the beach, while crime scene experts scoured the vicinity and processed evidence.
Shannon Roberts was identified through her a distinctive tattoo.

 
Capt van Der Spuy said the teen had been stabbed, but the instrument used to stab her had not yet been confirmed. According to Capt van Der Spuy, no suspects have as yet been identified.

 
“No-one has been arrested in connection with the murder and there are no suspects as yet,” she said.
Van Der Spuy also confirmed that the body had been found intact. “Social media reports of body parts being missing are incorrect and untrue.”