‘KILLER’ COUPLE IN COURT

A ‘SEX worker’ appeared in Atlantis Magistrates alongside her lover on Wednesday, accused of murdering a man whose body was found burnt in Melkbosstrand.

Stacey Lee Hector, 39, and Wade van Reenen, 39, are accused of murdering Malcolm Pather, 41, after his body was found burnt beyond recognition in a vehicle in Old Mamre Darling road, Melkbosstrand, on 14 July.

The court heard that Hector was due to make her first appearance on 28 July following her arrest on 25 July, however she attempted to commit suicide and was admitted to hospital.

Hector, though, was less lonely yesterday after her lover, Van Reenen, joined her in the dock. The two were seen chatting away, while Hector placed her head on his shoulder as the two returned to the holding cells.

The court further heard that the accused are facing additional charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.

Pather was last seen leaving his home in Richwood in his Blue BMW 1 Series on 13 July, however his phone was switched off that same day, and while his car was later found in Mitchells Plain, he was nowhere to be found.

It is alleged that he had booked a session with believed sex worker Hector in Table View on the day of his disappearance. 

Pather, though, apparently walked into a trap, with it being believed that he was ambushed and extorted by the couple.

According to Daily Voice sources, a bakkie - which was stolen in Goodwood between 12 July and 13 and set alight - was burned out a second time with the body on the back.

The sources further say that evidence found at the crime scene led to a potential suspect who was identified on video footage in possession of Pather’s vehicle.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk explained: “The body of a male found was burnt beyond recognition. All leads were followed up on evidence found on the crime scene and a possible person of interest was identified.”

The state said that they would be opposing their bail as the witnesses are known to the accused and said they would attempt to evade their trial.

The court heard that Van Reenen had a previous conviction for drugs and their case was postponed to 4 August for their bail application. They remain in custody.

Anyone with further information about this incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officers of Melkbosstrand SAPS Detectives Sergeant Theys on 072 560 2512 and Sergeant Pietersen 082 469 6277, Bothasig SAPS Detective Sergeant Jaftha 064 775 7492.