Update

GEORGE NEWS - As the nationwide search for missing George teenager Sarah Rose Starrett enters its third week, a series of social media posts and videos circulating online have added a new dimension to the case, with some suggesting the 17-year-old's disappearance may have been planned.

The latest post gaining widespread attention is a video, reportedly recorded when Sarah was 16 and approaching her 17th birthday. In the video, she speaks candidly about her experiences in the child welfare system after being placed in care in March 2021. 

She expresses deep mistrust of the welfare system, the courts and government, describing herself as unhappy and saying she believes the system failed her.

The video was shared on Facebook by Carina van Wyk Basson, whose profile is linked to the South African Police Service. Her association with the police is unverified. Alongside the video, Basson also shared a recent image - originally posted on the George Herald's Facebook page - showing how Sarah is believed to look now after reportedly dyeing her hair black. The video has since been shared extensively across social media platforms.

A screenshot of the video of Sarah Rose, shared on Facebook. She explains her unhappiness with the welfare system. It seems to be taken when she was 16, almost turning 17.

The renewed online attention follows reporting by News24, citing sources who said Sarah's disappearance appears to have been "planned for a while". 

According to the report, investigators have expanded their search into KwaZulu-Natal as the investigation continues.

Another development emerged on Facebook when a woman identifying herself as "Starr Jen" commented on a post by Forever Yena News about Sarah's disappearance. Identifying herself as Sarah Rose's mother, she wrote: "It's been extremely tough because everyone gets the story wrong."

She went on to state that Sarah had dyed her hair approximately three weeks before she left, adding: "She is safe, leave her alone."

A woman identifying herself as "Starr Jen" commented on a post by Forever Yena News about Sarah's disappearance. 

The comments appear to support information previously received by the George Herald from a trusted source, who alleged that Sarah left George with her mother, and possibly her older sister.

The source further claimed that the mother and sister had been living in a vehicle in George before leaving town. The George Herald has not been able to independently verify these claims.

Sarah was reported missing after she was last seen in Maitland Street, Blanco, at about 08:00 on Sunday 19 July. Police, the George Community Policing Forum and Missing Children South Africa have appealed to the public for information on her whereabouts. 

Earlier reports also indicated that her hair had been dyed black, meaning she may look different from photographs initially circulated.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual offences unit (FCS) based in George is currently leading the police investigation.

Sergeant Brendon Jacobs, the investigation officer, urges the public to come forward with any information which could assist the police to secure the safe return of the missing girl.

Anyone with information may contact the investigation officer at 082 335 1200 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

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