Tazne van Wyk: Minister Fritz welcomes trial date set in murder case | Western Cape Government

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Tazne van Wyk: Minister Fritz welcomes trial date set in murder case

19 March 2021

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, welcomes the trial date set for alleged murderer, Moyhdian Pangarker, on 31 May 2021. Minister Fritz commends SAPS on their successful investigation into the murder of Tazne van Wyk (8), having monitored the case through the Court Watching Brief unit. 

Tazne van Wyk (8) went missing from her Ravensmead home on 7 February 2020. Her body was subsequently found in a storm water drain outside Worcester on 19 February 2020. This followed numerous searches, patrols and an extensive investigation into her disappearance. 

Minister Fritz said, “It is welcomed news that Tazne’s alleged murderer will now go to trial. I hope that this brings some peace of mind to the Van Wyk family who have suffered an immeasurable loss. No parent should have to endure the loss of their child. My deepest sympathies are with the van Wyks and it is my hope that there will justice in this matter.”

Minister Fritz added, “Initially, I requested that the Court Watching Brief unit monitor this case for any policing inefficiencies which might have resulted in the case being struck off the court roll. I am pleased to say that we discontinued this request as the case had been successfully investigated by SAPS and that the National Prosecuting Authority will secure a successful conviction with a sentence that will befit this heinous crime.”  

Pangarker was apprehended on Monday, 17 February in Cradock, following an investigation led by the Western Cape FCS detectives with crime intelligence in Cradock, Eastern Cape. The location of Tazne’s body was subsequently pointed out by the suspect. Tazne had been missing for nearly two weeks at the time of her discovery. 

Media Enquiries: 

 

Cayla Ann Tomás Murray
Spokesperson for Minister Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 064 121 7959
Email: Cayla.murray@westerncape.gov.za