This morning, police confirmed they had found the body of eight-year-old missing girl Tazne Van Wyk. It is alleged her body was discovered in a stormwater drain near Worcester.
On Monday, the man accused of kidnapping Tazne was arrested in Cradock, approximately 800km from Cape Town. Moehydien Pangaker (54) was taken into custody by the Western Cape Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit working in conjunction with Crime Intelligence.
South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that Pangaker pointed out Tazne’s body to police on Wednesday night following his arrest.
As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of the suspect facing additional charges cannot be ruled out.
He appeared in court on Tuesday and was questioned about the whereabouts of the little girl.
Tazne went missing on Friday, February 7, and the community of Ravensmead experienced unrest as a result. This is a developing story.
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 back Tazne, 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.
Meanwhile, the parents of Tazne have just been informed of the discovery and they are receiving counselling.
Picture: Twitter