DNA confirms identity of missing 17-year-old Amiena Swano found in Hout Bay
Amiena Swano, aged 17 was murdered.
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DNA testing has confirmed the identity of the body found in a cupboard inside a building in Hout Bay last month to be that of missing 17-year-old Amiena Swano.
During a brief but emotional interview with the Cape Argus on Tuesday night, Salama Swano confirmed that after three weeks, DNA testing confirmed that the body found belonged to her daughter who was a learner at Hout Bay High School.
Swano will have the difficult task of carrying out the physical identification at the mortuary on Wednesday.
The janaza (funeral) is also expected to take place on Wednesday (today) following the release of the body to the undertaker.
“The janaza is expected to take place today as I will be with the police at the morgue to do the identification,” said Swano.
“I must wait for the undertaker to come and collect the body.
“The DNA results have come back, it is my daughter Amiena’s body which was found.
Three people including a 59-year-old woman have been arrested for the murder.
They are currently making appearances at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court.
Earlier Police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala explained: "Two male suspects aged 36 and 49, along with a female aged 59 have been arrested for murder. They will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s court on Friday, February 20, 2026."
During a previous interview with the Cape Argus, Swano warned other parents and children of the abuse of the prescription drug, Xanax.
She said her child began experimenting with the drug a few months ago and had begun mixing it as a cocktail with dagga and Coke.
As a result, she would be in a "Zombie-like" state and believed she could not defend herself against her attacker.
Amiena, a Grade 11 learner, vanished on Valentine's day after attending a concert with friends.
The mother said when police had informed her of the clothing items found on the body, it was a match of what Amiena's was last seen wearing.
Police have since said it is for the National Prosecuting Authority’s response regarding DNA.