Boksburg missing persons case ends in tragic discovery

The search for 20-year-old Jessica Rabe and 25-year-old Yudistan Pillay has ended in tragedy after their bodies were found in Boksburg on Monday, 31 August.

According to The Citizen, the pair were reported missing on 17 July from the Van Dyk Park and Dalpark areas, prompting a weeks-long search across the east of Johannesburg.

#UPDATE FOUND DECEASED #MissingInSouthernAfrica

FOUND DECEASED RIP: It is with regret that we announce the passing of Jessica Rabe 20Yr and Yudistan Pillay 25Yr. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. Thank you to SAPS DAWN Park, SAPS National, SAPS Search & Rescue pic.twitter.com/Gp8DI5B8Ft

Missing In Southern Africa (@MissingsInSA) September 1, 2026

Their disappearance drew support from private investigators, security teams and community search groups, who continued looking for information and possible leads.

Teams linked to CPI Van Dyk Park, PCP Investigations, Graphite Security and Ghostline Tactical were involved in the search, with Dawnpark SAPS later joining the effort.

Bodies found at Boksburg street corner

Jessica and Yudistan were found at the corner of Wildevy Crescent and Mimosa Street on 31 August.

A community notice shared by CPI Van Dyk Park said the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition and had suffered severe damage.

The discovery marked a devastating end to a search that had continued for more than six weeks.

The community group praised those who remained involved throughout the investigation, including Johan van der Heever of CPI and Wendy Pascoe of PCP Investigations.

‘We commend Johan van der Heever (CPI), Wendy Pascoe of PCP Investigations who never gave up the search for Jessica and Yudistan.’

Three suspects have been arrested and remain in custody.

Families ask for privacy

The case has also highlighted the role community-led searches can play when missing-person cases continue for weeks.

CPI Van Dyk Park urged residents to give both families privacy as they deal with the loss.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved and severely traumatised families.’

Residents were asked to respect the families’ space and allow them time to process the devastating loss.