Four years later, remains of missing woman Crystal Silver found
Forensic teams examine the crime scene where the remains of Crystal Silver were discovered.
Image: Supplied
“Her killer never thought we would finally find her after four years.”
These are the sad words of Evelyn Silver, the mother of Crystal Silver, 35, who mysteriously vanished in June 2022 after visiting her father. Silver reported her daughter missing at Elsies River Police Station and claims she did not get much support or help from the relevant authorities there.
Then in October 2025, a breakthrough came when remains, including bones, were found buried in a shallow grave by a janitor of a local church in Blackheath. Silver immediately asked police to check whether it was a male or female, still holding on to hope that her daughter may still be alive. Sadly, DNA testing this week confirmed that the bones belonged to her daughter.
She said the investigating officer stationed at Kleinvlei Police Station provided compassionate and professional service, leading her to finally find her daughter after the family had searched various communities for her.
Crystal Silver, whose life was tragically cut short, was found buried in a shallow grave at a local church, bringing closure to her family's relentless search.
Image: supplied
“During the last four years, we searched everywhere for her, even as far as Dunoon. Any news where she was reported to have been spotted, we went there,” Silver told the Cape Argus. “Then in October, I was informed by a friend that bones had been found at a church in Elsies River, and she suggested I make contact with the police.”
Silver said her daughter was murdered and that in a bid to conceal her death, her killer buried her in a shallow grave. “Her killer never thought we would finally find her after four years, but God does not sleep,” she said. “Now we can bury her; I finally know where my child is. I had so many sleepless nights wondering where she was.
Forensic experts continue their investigation at the site where Crystal Silver's remains were found.
Image: supplied
“The day she went missing, I told the police to look in that community because we are from Blackheath, and that she must be there, but the police did not even come to us or show any interest. It was only this detective at Kleinvlei Police Station; he is a dedicated officer, and I just want to say thank you to him.”
Track n Trace Missing Persons organisation, which has been assisting the family, also confirmed the DNA process was positive. “We searched the streets of Belhar and surrounding areas for her and followed up on all leads, which were negative,” said Chaz Thomas from Track n Trace. “Then bones were found buried in a church’s yard.”
Police spokesperson, Thembakazi Mpendukana said circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and that an inquest docket was opened at the time when the remains were found.