Tazne van Wyk: Court Watching Brief Unit activated | Western Cape Government

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Tazne van Wyk: Court Watching Brief Unit activated

20 February 2020

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, notes with a heavy heart that the body of Tazne van Wyk (8) was found last night in a storm water pipe outside Worcester. This follows numerous searches, patrols and an extensive investigation into her disappearance on Friday, 7 February 2020. The Court Watching Brief Unit are being activated to monitor the murder case.

The suspect 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.

Minister Fritz said, “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Tazne van Wyk. They have endured a tumultuous period of uncertainty, confusion and pain. No parent should have to endure the loss of their child. A social worker will be deployed to debrief the family, following the news of Tazne’s death.”

“The suspect appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, 18 February 2020 in Cradock on a charge of kidnapping. The suspect was later transported to Cape Town and will be charged with murder. He is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s court on Friday, 21 February 2020. My Department are in the process of activating the court watching brief unit which will monitor the case for any inefficiencies relating to the SAPS’ investigation, ensuring that the case is not struck off the court role,” said Minister Fritz.

Minister Fritz added, “I have been informed that as the investigation unfolds, the possibility of the suspect facing additional charges cannot be ruled out. As the investigation is ongoing, I call on anyone with any further information to immediately come forward and report such to their local SAPS or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Attention broadcasters, please see link for English audio clip: https://clyp.it/qhrpgecp

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