'She was vibrant, loving' - teachers of teen slain at Tokai Forest

In a statement sent to News24 on Wednesday, the Constantia Waldorf School teachers said the institution was in "deep mourning".

"So many lives were touched by Franzi and our hearts go out to her immediate family during this time of loss and sorrow”, the teachers said.

“While her absence today is keenly felt, her ongoing presence will surely emerge as she continues to live in the memories of the many of us who were touched by her time here.”

- Read more: Hundreds join vigil for teen killed in Tokai Forest

The Grade 10 pupil's body was found in the Tokai Forest in Cape Town on Monday. She was apparently jogging through the forest while on a family outing on Monday afternoon.

According to reports, Franziska was strangled and her body was dumped in bushes.

The Constantia Waldorf School board of trustees’ director Thomas Knemeyer told News24 on Wednesday that her phone “pinged” in Westlake at 21:00 on Monday.

Arrests

Police said three suspects were arrested on Tuesday evening in connection with her killing.

"Three suspects between the ages of 22 and 27 are being detained for questioning in connection with the murder of Franziska Blöchliger after their arrest last night," Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said on Wednesday.

"The circumstances surrounding the case are still under investigation and no further information can be released at this stage."

Read more: Renowned forensic expert approached over Tokai Forest killing

The teen’s parents, Florian and Shireen Blöchliger, on Tuesday offered a R50 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

In a recorded interview with various media houses, Florian appealed for help in finding the killer.

"Not only that we can put him in jail, but that he can't do it to somebody else, because if he's done something like that once, he will do it again... maybe he has done it already before."

News24