'I saw Gert van Rooyen shoot himself and Joey Haarhoff' - Police officer on the Gert van Rooyen missing girls case
On 15 January, thirty years ago, Gert van Rooyen shot and killed himself and Joey Haarhoff. One of the investigators shared more details with the Scenic Drive.
Gert van Rooyen - a name that South Africa will never forget.
Cornelius Gerhardus van Rooyen, better known as Gert van Rooyen, was a South African paedophile and serial killer, who allegedly abducted at least six young girls between 1988 and 1989.
But where are they? This is the question all South Africans are still battling with.
READ MORE: Projek Dina: Task team solves Cape Town’s missing people mystery
It has become one of South Africa’s most famous cold cases and now, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the case, an initiative has been launched to put pressure on the police to find the six girls that went missing between August 1, 1988, and November 3, 1989.
Gert van Rooyen and Joey Haarhoff committed suicide. Leaving these cases still open.
Projek Dina
In light of a brand new kykNET drama, 'Projek Dina' hitting South African screens on Tuesday evening - the Scenic Drive decided to talk to Don Chandler was working on the Gert van Rooyen case.
'Projek Dina' delves into the underworld of human trafficking and the daily reality of missing persons all of which are inspired by true-life stories. These include adrenalin-fuelled chases, success stories as well as heart-breaking endings and discoveries that will leave you reeling.
Police Officer Don Chandler on Gert van Rooyen
Police officer Don Chandler was working on the Gert van Rooyen case in 1990.
"I was one of the officers that chased Van Rooyen. We followed him while shooting on the car.
"I saw Gert van Rooyen shoot himself and Joey Haarhoff.
"We were so close to getting answers.
"I think he abused them and disposted their bodies - and I also believed that he shipped the girls out of the country.
"There are also more rumours about government officials that were involved - but I'm still investigating the case.
"I'm still working on this case after all these years."
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