Little Tazne van Wyk has been missing since Friday, February 7, and it is feared that she may have been kidnapped by a man who has served jail time for rape. The Western Cape’s Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, is now offering a R10 000 reward for any viable information on the eight-year-old’s whereabouts, or information on the man she is suspected to be with.
The girl’s mother previously revealed her daughter was allegedly spotted in a taxi with the man who is believed to be her kidnapper on the day she went missing. Police identified the family’s 54-year-old neighbour as a person of interest in the case.
On Wednesday, February 13, riots broke out in Ravensmead amidst misinformation of the suspect’s whereabouts causing unrest and damage to infrastructure. Fritz has called on communities to support the police in their investigation and not to respond to any information through acts of vigilantism.
“All patrols must be reported to the local SAPS Station Commander to ensure the safety of those on patrols and the improved distribution of information to aid SAPS in their investigation,” the Minister said.
“Having visited the mother of the Tazne van Wyk, I have arranged that a social worker be sent to her to by the Department of Social Development to provide her with psycho-social services during this period of great uncertainty,” he added. “I further advised her mother that a R10 000 reward will be made to anyone with any information which leads to both the location of Tazne and the arrest of the suspect.”
“I call on those wishing to assist in search efforts to do so in a coordinated manner by alerting their local SAPS Station Commander of their intention to patrol. This will ensure both the safety of those on patrol and ensure that any information relating to the case will be directly shared with SAPS and aid them in their investigation. Anyone with any information should immediately come forward and report such to their local SAPS station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” Fritz said. “Thus far, my Department has assisted by mobilising Neighbourhood Watch structures and Community Policing Forums to assist in the search. I would like to thank all stakeholders including SAPS, Pink Ladies, Western Cape Missing Persons Unit and community members for their search efforts.”
Reports can be made by call, WhatsApp or SMS to 078 330 9333. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]
Picture: Facebook
