Dave Barnes, general manager of the Westlake United Church Trust (WUCT), said rumours about the iPhone being peddled began surfacing after the teen’s murder on Monday afternoon.

“Three would-be sellers approached a number of people who all turned it down. Apple products are ‘hot’ and people don’t want to buy them,” he said on Thursday.

It was understood that the trio then allegedly approached a foreign national on Tuesday to sell him the phone for R200.

“He switched it on to make sure it worked, the locating signal went off and police picked it up.”

Officers tracked down the men with the help of residents and they were arrested on Tuesday night.

Barnes said there were very few secrets in the close knit community of Westlake Village.

“Criminals or baddies are generally known to community members.”

The WUCT worked together with the Westlake Community Foundation, supporting locals with education, health and advice.

On Wednesday night, Westlake residents walked from their homes to Tokai forest to show their support for the slain teen’s family.

“The community feel for this family who have been violated. Ironically, it’s normally the poor community who gets care and concern from those who are better off and this was an opportunity to say we care for our neighbours too.”

He added: “They themselves are subject to crime and it’s not an acceptable situation.”

Three men were expected to appear in connection with the teen’s murder in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.

Westlake Village residents and leaders were expected to protest outside the court to demand that bail not be granted.

- News24.com