Parolee Moyhdian Pangarker, 55, the man accused of murdering eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk, briefly appeared at the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court on 31 July 2020. 

Courtroom C was quiet, with only court officials and the defence legal team present. Pangarker was escorted into the courtroom by a single police officer. 

Wearing a grey hoodie, a pair of faded blue jeans and a blue surgical face mask, Pangarker stood before Magistrate Bukiwe Sambudla.

Both of Pangarker’s palms were wrapped in white bandages (reasons for which are unknown), with the tips of his fingers exposed for a police officer to take his fingerprints. 

While Pangarker was soft-spoken as he announced that his hearing was impaired, he appeared emotionless and indifferent to the court. 

Pangarker will be indicted on 17 August. 

According to the NPA, in addition to being charged with murder and kidnapping, Pangarker was also being charged with rape. 

He was remanded without bail and will remain in custody at the Goodwood correctional facility until his trial date.

One of Pangarker’s first appearances on 21 February at Goodwood Magistrates’ Court was marked by several protesters gathering and calling for justice.

Pangarker was due to appear on 17 April 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the matter was postponed to 31 July.

Tazne van Wyk disappeared while going to a tuck shop near her home in Elsies River in early February 2020.  

Two weeks after her disappearance, Pangarker led police to the body of the child in a stormwater pipe just outside Worcester. 

Pangarker was released on parole in October 2016 after serving eight years of a 10-year sentence for culpable homicide. DM/MC