The murder of 8-year-old Tazne Van Wyk has shocked the country, as we mourn the loss of another little girl. With the heartbreak, many are left wondering when this senseless killing will end.
More were shocked to find that Moehydien Pangaker, Van Wyk’s accused killer, has a long, disturbing criminal wrap sheet. The 54-year-old has been in and out of prison for various crimes. Prosecutors told the court that Pangaker has 11 previous convictions that date all the way back to 1981 and include culpable homicide and murder.
His crimes are:
– 1981: Housebreaking – sentenced (Elsies River)
– 1981: Theft – sentenced (Elsies River)
– 1988: Assault – sentenced (Ravensmead)
– 1991: Theft – sentenced (Kimberly)
– 1998: Housebreaking – sentenced (Laingsburg)
– 2001: Culpable homicide, abduction, child neglect – sentenced (Ladismith)
– 2001: Murder – guilty and sentenced (Kuilsriver)
– 2003: Breaking correctional supervision – guilty and sentenced (Elsies River)
– 2003: Assault – sentenced (Ladismith)
– 2015: Driving a vehicle without authority – guilty (Ladismith)
– 2015: Possession of a stolen vehicle – Guilty and sentenced (Ladismith)
IOL reports that Pangaker had been released on parole in 2015, 2016 and 2019. He absconded from parole twice.
Speaking to CapeTalk, South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Chris Nissen recounted a story of the caretaker at Van Wyk’s school, who reportedly saw Pangaker there “for the last week” before her disappearance.
Tazne went missing on Friday, February 7, and her lifeless body was discovered in a stormwater drain near Worcester on February 20. Pangaker led the police to her body after being arrested in Cradock in the Eastern Cape on February 17.
Pangaker appeared in the Goodwood court on Friday, February 21 on charges of kidnapping and murder for the 8-year-olds death. His case has been postponed until April 17, and he will remain in police custody until then.
Also read: Tazne Van Wyk’s alleged killer appears in court
Picture: Twitter
