Body of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk found near Worcester

The lifeless body of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk was found in a stormwater pipe near Worcester late on Wednesday 19 February.  

Van Wyk was kidnapped nearly two weeks ago near her home in Ravensmead, Cape Town.

Western Cape police have said that their main suspect, Moyhdien Pangaker, who was allegedly last seen with Van Wyk on 7 February, pointed out where the body was. 

This comes after his arrest in the Eastern Cape on Monday 17 February.

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said: 

“He will be charged with murder and is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Friday 21 February 2020. As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of the suspect facing additional charges cannot be ruled out.” 

Moehydien Pangaker arrested 

A 54-year-old man by the name of Moyhdien Pangaker, who was believed to know the whereabouts of Van Wyk, was arrested in the Eastern Cape following a two-week search by Western Cape police. 

The investigation led Cape Town-based detectives to the Eastern Cape, where they later found the suspect hiding out in Cradock, northeast of Port Elizabeth. 

Police arrested Moyhdian in the Cradock policing precinct on Monday 17 February at about 22:15. He appeared in the Cradock Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 18 February.

Van Wyk goes missing on her way to tuck shop 

Eight-year-old Van Wyk went missing on Friday 7 February. She was last seen by her father in Claire Street, Connaught Estate, in Elsies River, on her way to a nearby tuck shop. 

According to witnesses, the child was last seen with a man who is known to them, but who has since disappeared.

“Tazne was last seen wearing a red-and-white top and red shorts. She can further be identified by the scar on her left hand from a prior operation, a missing tooth in her upper jaw, brown eyes and black hair. She is roughly 20kgs and is 1.5m in height.” 

Western Cape Minister of Community Safety Albert Fritz 

Van Wyk’s parents receive counselling

Van Wyk’s parents, according to police, have been informed of the discovery and they are currently receiving counselling.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, lieutenant general Yolisa Matakata has hailed the diligence of the detective team involved as well as the search parties. 

She acknowledged that while the arrest would not bring Van Wyk back, the incarceration of the suspect would send a stern warning to “would-be perpetrators.” 

“In a province that is notorious for crimes against women and children, we reiterate our resolve to ensure the perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to book in order to face the full might of the law,” said Matakata.