Hundreds of Cape Flats mense are expected to descend on the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court today as Moehydien Pangaker makes his first appearance for the murder of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk.
Tears of disbelief and anger flowed in Ravensmead on Thursday as police arrived at the young girl’s home in Clare Street to inform her parents that her body had been found.
MOURNING: Great-grandmother Magdalene Khan cries over girl’s memorial photo. Picture: Courtney Africa/ANA
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, explained Pangaker had led police to the scene - a stormwater drain in Worcester - late on Wednesday night where he allegedly dumped her body.
This tragic news follows the ex-convict’s arrest in Cradock in the Eastern Cape on Monday, where he also appeared in court for the child’s kidnapping.
Mom Carmen, 28, collapsed shortly after hearing the news and was rushed to hospital as she lost consciousness.
Police tape along the N1 highway outside Worcester, close to the stormwater pipe where the body of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk was found. Picture: Worcester Standard/Breyten Cupido
The Grade 3 pupil from Eurecon Primary School went missing on 7 February when she was snatched just metres from her home while her father attended to her four-month-old baby sister, Tamlyn.
Police launched a manhunt after an eyewitness came forward fingering neighbour Pangaker, 54, as the man responsible for Tazne’s disappearance.
On Thursday the girl’s angry family lashed out at President Cyril Ramaphosa for failing them as they highlighted Pangaker’s previous convictions and parolee status.
IN CUSTODY: Moehydien Pangaker, 54, will appear in the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court on a murder charge
Aunt Samantha Viljoen, 47, said: “This is what we want to know from Mr. President and everyone who had a hand in letting him free, who is next?
“We would not have had to go through this if they kept him inside.
“He was in for murder and they let a man like that outside and now as taxpayers we must pay for him to stay inside. Is that fair Mr. President?
“Why don’t they bring in the death penalty? This is what we as parents don’t understand.”
She said parents are forced to raise children like prisoners in their own homes.
“I hope that those who had a hand in this, you don’t get any sleep.”
KILLED: Tazne van Wyk, age 8
A large crowd gathered outside Tazne’s home where a memorial was created by crying relatives.
In their grief, the family was dealt another blow when a voicenote went viral on chat groups, accusing the child’s father, Terence Manuel, of smoking buttons with Pangaker on the day Tazne went missing.
Samantha said the voicenote has left the family fuming: “How could Terence have been gerook if he was looking after a four-month-old baby, a four-year-old child and Tazne that day?
“The claims made are not true and we challenge the person who made it to come and say it to us in person and not hide.”
She confirmed Carmen was discharged from hospital late, adding: “She is in isolation and does not want to be around large crowds of people.”
Terrence Manuel and Samantha Viljoen can't contain their tears. Picture Courtney Africa/African News Agency(ANA)
On Thursday, Jerome Taylor from the Delft, Belhar, Parow Taxi association took the distraught family to the crime scene in Worcester.
“We are here to give moral support and will take those that want to see the scene to Worcester for free,” said Taylor.
“As taxi drivers we are very disturbed and will be offering free rides to court (today).
“We are trying to get as many vans as possible as the whole community wants to go.”
He says residents from Ravensmead, Uitsig, Elsies River and Bishop Lavis among others plan to attend court proceedings.
CONDOLENCES: Community members crowded family’s Ravensmead home. Picture: Courtney Africa/ANA
A Ravensmead resident, who asked not to be named, said gangsters were ready to murder Pangaker over the senseless killing.
“ Almal wil daai n*** vrek maak. Ek gaan nou ’n pyp rook in die openbaar, laat die boere my vang.
“ As ek in die selle kom gaan ek hom in sy p*** skop, ek worry my nie oor sy groot spiere nie,” the angry man said.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, says they have arranged for counsellors to visit Eurecon Primary.
“The WCED had previously arranged a similar session at the school when Tazne was first missing.
“This is a tragic and awful loss of life and we mourn with the school community. The school is not closing.”