Latest news with #Chanelle
IOL News
7 days ago
- General
- IOL News
'Until I see proof, my daughter is still alive in my heart': DNA results awaited as body found in shallow grave
The family of 16-year-old Chanelle Plaatjies hold on to hope that she is still alive as they await DNA results to determine whether a decomposing body found in Paarl East is hers. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers The family of 16-year-old Chanelle Plaatjies from Greenhill, Paarl East, believe she is still alive, despite the discovery of a decomposing body buried in a shallow grave near their home, just metres from where her shoe was found. Plaatjies was last seen on May 14 but was only reported missing two weeks later on May 28. The delay in reporting, the family says, was due to the hope that she would return home, as she usually did when she went out with friends. The breakthrough in the search came on Monday, when her sisters stumbled upon one of her shoes in a wooded area about a kilometre from their house. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Chanelle Plaatjies Image: Facebook It was this discovery that led to the unearthing of a body believed to be that of a young woman. Speaking emotionally to the media outside the family home, Chanelle's father, Samuel Jacobs, described the moment they discovered the shoe. 'My daughters first spotted the shoe and they positively identified it as Chanelle's,' he said. 'They noticed there was something strange about the ground under it. At first, I stopped them from touching it, but when I saw the shoe, something told me my daughter was there.' Driven by instinct and fear, Jacobs began digging. 'I took a spade and dug until there was a smell of a decomposed body in the air. But before I could see anything, the police arrived and took over. As I was digging, I hoped with all my heart that it wasn't her. I believe she is alive,' he said. Chanelle's mother, Hester Plaatjies, echoed the same sentiment. 'I have a feeling that the body found there is not my daughter's. My motherly instinct is telling me that my child is still out there and alive. That may have been her shoe, but my heart says she's still with us,' she said. DNA testing is now under way to determine whether the body found is indeed Chanelle's. Her sister, Melleney Hugo, confirmed that the shoe found belonged to Chanelle. 'My mom bought her those shoes, and she wore them to court one day. But we want to see the body first so we can be sure.' Rumours are now swirling in the community that Chanelle may have been killed by a boyfriend recently released from prison. Jacobs said the family had never seen or met this alleged boyfriend. The site of the shallow grave where a body has been recovered. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Police spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, confirmed Paarl East police have been investigating the case since a missing person report was filed on May 28. 'According to the mother, she last saw Chanelle on May 14. Information was followed up, and a shoe was found near an open hole in the woods. The body of a female was discovered buried in the same area on Monday evening. DNA testing is under way to determine whether it is that of the missing teenager.' As the community waits anxiously for confirmation, Chanelle's family continues to hold on to hope. 'I'm not giving up,' said Hester. 'Until I see proof, my daughter is still alive in my heart.' Cape Argus
The Herald
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Renowned jewellery designer Jenna Clifford has died, her family confirms
Renowned South African jewellery designer and philanthropist Jenna Clifford died on Tuesday. Her children, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, announced her death on Wednesday afternoon. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts we share our beloved mother, Jenna Clifford, has passed away. Earlier this year, mom was diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. She undertook treatment with unwavering courage, grace, dignity, strength and endless gratitude. Sadly, the severity of her illness meant she and we knew that her remaining time with us would be limited.' 'On the evening of May 20, surrounded by her family and completely enveloped in our love, she passed away peacefully,' they said. The family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, warmth and love 'from so many people who have drawn close to mom and us' over the past few weeks. 'We want to thank the doctors, nurses and the entire medical team at Morningside Medi Clinic who cared for mom with such compassion. And to each of you who sent messages, shared memories, held us in your hearts and prayed for mom — we want you to know how truly grateful we are for your kindness and care,' they said. The trio described their mother as 'a one-off.' 'She was charismatic and absolutely unique. She was loving, kind, generous and brave. Everything mom did, she did with integrity and love. Our mom was an icon, mentor, friend and hero to so many. To hear and read your stories — to see our mom through your eyes — has been incredibly moving and truly comforting. She touched so many lives with her kindness, her unstinting generosity of spirit, and her steadfast belief in the transformative and redeeming power of love.' 'Mom cared deeply for others, poured love into countless lives and lived a life of self-sacrifice. Her character was magnetic, she was inspiring and she believed passionately in supporting others to realise their inherent potential. Her passionate belief in others encouraged so many to elevate their ambitions and dream bigger. She was at her happiest when she was supporting others to achieve their dreams,' they said. While Clifford was known for bespoke pieces, which attracted a global clientele, her children said their mother's greatest legacy was one of joyful giving. 'She was deeply generous with her time, her inspired ideas and her love. She always gave happily, freely and without hesitation. We love our mom with all our hearts and feel so blessed to have her powerful, guiding example for life.' They said her 'magnificent' jewellery was a reflection of her beautiful heart and soul as well as her passion, creativity and her mission to connect people through beautiful, meaningful creations. 'Our family business, Jenna Clifford, is her life's work and is at the heart of our family. We are dedicated to building on mom's solid foundations and to continue the remarkable Jenna Clifford story. We want you to know that we sincerely value our relationship with you. You are an important part of our Jenna Clifford family, and we are grateful that we shall together ensure that mom's legacy endures,' they said. Clifford's family will hold a private funeral. 'We know how many lives our mother touched, and we'll also be hosting a memorial gathering in Johannesburg to honour and celebrate her life with those who loved her. We'll share details of this memorial in due course. We shall always treasure the memory of our precious mother as she was — beautiful, loving and full of life,' they said. TimesLIVE
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Big Brother and Ex On The Beach favourite marries her fiance in stunning ceremony and shows off amazing wedding dress
A BIG Brother favourite has revealed she has married her fiance in a stunning ceremony. Reality star 7 Big Brother and Ex On The Beach favourite Chanelle McLeary revealed she has got married Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The reality star looked smitten after she'd said 'I do' Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The newlyweds enjoyed their first dance Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 Chanelle showed off her stunning wedding gown Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The happy couple got engaged last year Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx The TV star was marrying her fiance James, who she tends to keep out of the spotlight. Taking to Instagram, Chanelle shared a sweet video of herself and her new husband on their wedding day. The clip showed both bride and groom getting ready for their big day. Read more on Chanelle It then moved to them getting married, and then onto their wedding reception, before showing them having their first dance. The blushing bride wrote next to the adorable video: "I wasn't going to share this as it's so intimate but it's too beautiful not to/ "10.05.25 the day I married my best friend, I don't know how I got so lucky, he's the best thing to have ever happened to me, he's fixed my broken pieces and loves me in ways I didn't know existed. "I'm so excited to start this life with you J." Most read in Showbiz The happy couple revealed they had got engaged in 2024, after first getting together three years before. REALITY TV PRO Prior to Big Brother, she appeared on Ex on the Beach, but was kicked off for starting a fight with another contestant. Chanelle McCleary belts out dance track You've Got the Love on Big Brother return She was on the show after dating Love Island star Joshua Ritchie. Earlier brushes with reality TV stardom were an appearance on ITV's dating game show Take Me Out, and Dinner Date. She also tried her hand at the ultimate blind date and went on Dating in the Dark. Chanelle was favourite to win Big Brother 2017, but 7 Chanelle is best known for starring in Big Brother Credit: PA 7 The TV star also appeared on Ex On The Beach after dating Josh Ritchie Credit: MTV
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Big Brother and Ex On The Beach favourite marries her fiance in stunning ceremony and shows off amazing wedding dress
A BIG Brother favourite has revealed she has married her fiance in a stunning ceremony. Reality star Chanelle McCleary, 32, who is also known for Ex On The Beach, thrilled fans when she showed off amazing wedding dress 7 Big Brother and Ex On The Beach favourite Chanelle McLeary revealed she has got married Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The reality star looked smitten after she'd said 'I do' Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The newlyweds enjoyed their first dance Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 Chanelle showed off her stunning wedding gown Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx 7 The happy couple got engaged last year Credit: Instagram / @missmcclearyx Chanelle, who found fame in the Big Brother house in 2017, looked breathtaking in her stunning gown. The TV star was marrying her fiance James, who she tends to keep out of the spotlight. Taking to Instagram, Chanelle shared a sweet video of herself and her new husband on their wedding day. The clip showed both bride and groom getting ready for their big day. It then moved to them getting married, and then onto their wedding reception, before showing them having their first dance. The blushing bride wrote next to the adorable video: "I wasn't going to share this as it's so intimate but it's too beautiful not to/ "10.05.25 the day I married my best friend, I don't know how I got so lucky, he's the best thing to have ever happened to me, he's fixed my broken pieces and loves me in ways I didn't know existed. "I'm so excited to start this life with you J." The happy couple revealed they had got engaged in 2024, after first getting together three years before. REALITY TV PRO Prior to Big Brother, she appeared on Ex on the Beach, but was kicked off for starting a fight with another contestant. Chanelle McCleary belts out dance track You've Got the Love on Big Brother return She was on the show after dating Love Island star Joshua Ritchie. Earlier brushes with reality TV stardom were an appearance on ITV's dating game show Take Me Out, and Dinner Date. She also tried her hand at the ultimate blind date and went on Dating in the Dark. Chanelle was favourite to win Big Brother 2017, but was evicted the week before the final. 7 Chanelle is best known for starring in Big Brother Credit: PA
News18
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Love, Loyalty And Leashes: The Unspoken Bonds of Pet Motherhood
Last Updated: This Mother's Day, let's honour all forms of motherhood — including the kind that comes wrapped in fur, delivered with tail wags, and sealed with a lick. Motherhood wears many faces. Some cradle babies, some chase toddlers, and others find themselves whispering to furry companions who cannot speak but somehow say everything. In an age where caregiving extends beyond traditional definitions, pet moms embody a unique, unsung form of maternal love — one that thrives on instinct, patience, and a deep emotional bond. These are women who juggle meetings and meal prep with vet visits and treat time, who rush home not for rest, but for the familiar pitter-patter of paws waiting at the door. For Bhanwari Devi, a part-time co-director, Siyol Technologies, that journey began with resistance. 'When my sons brought Joey home four years ago, I was the least thrilled," she confesses with a laugh. 'A Retriever? In my home? I believed they had gone crazy." Having always maintained a spotless house, Bhanwari vowed never to allow a dog inside. But love, as it often does, found its way in through muddy paws and soulful eyes. 'I did not choose him. He chose me," she reflects. Today, Joey is her constant companion. 'I can't eat without him beside me. When he's in the next room, I feel something is missing." The thought of leashing him feels unnatural. 'It's like binding my own child," she says. 'So, I talk to him instead. He listens better than my sons!" This emotional intimacy between pets and their human caregivers is rooted in real psychology. Nandita Sikka, Senior Psychologist, Heal Your Paws (HYP), explains that pet parenting activates the same parts of the brain responsible for maternal empathy and bonding. That comfort came like a quiet miracle for Ridhima Sinngh, Legal Director at Galaxy Impex, Hong Kong. She wasn't looking to adopt a pet. And yet, one day, Chanelle — a tiny, gentle soul — arrived and transformed her life in a matter of days. 'The first time I held her, she didn't want to let me go," shares Ridhima. She believes Chanelle chose her in the most cosmic way. 'She's my little angel — a guardian sent by God." In her presence, Ridhima feels safer, more in tune with herself. 'She's showing me how to stop fearing who I want to become. Chanelle is the light of my life, the most unexpected and beautiful gift." For some, the journey into pet motherhood starts with uncertainty — and ends in complete surrender. Saloni Sood Mehra, founder, Brand Talkeez, never imagined herself as a pet parent. That changed the moment her eldest daughter brought Pluto home. 'I never thought I would fall so hard for a dog," she says, smiling. 'But when I looked into Pluto's eyes, I was hooked. There was so much innocence and trust." Since then, Pluto has become a core part of the family. He joins them on vacations, sits in on work calls, and fills their home with boundless energy. 'Pluto Mehra has brought a kind of joy and vitality into our lives that I didn't know we were missing." These stories — of skepticism turned to surrender, of emotional healing, of soulful bonds — are testaments to the powerful, often overlooked role pet moms play. They may not change diapers or pack school lunches, but they wake up for early walks, soothe fears during thunderstorms, and build lives around beings who give only love in return. In every paw print on freshly mopped floors, in every wet-nosed nudge at the end of a long day, lies the quiet assurance that love is present. These women, these pet moms, remind us that motherhood isn't defined by biology — it's defined by care, connection, and the courage to love wholeheartedly. This Mother's Day, let's honour all forms of motherhood — including the kind that comes wrapped in fur, delivered with tail wags, and sealed with a lick. First Published: May 11, 2025, 08:08 IST
