An extensive investigation into the disappearance of eight year old, Tazne Van Wyk from her Ravensmead home almost two weeks ago has led Western Cape FCS detectives with crime intelligence to Cradock in the Eastern Cape, where they apprehended a suspect and the subsequent discovery of the child’s body late on the night of 19 February 2020.
The suspect, 54 years old who according to witness accounts was the last person to be seen with the child is believed to have been hiding in the town. He appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, 18 February 2020 in Cradock on a charge of kidnapping.
The suspect was later transported to Cape Town. Further interviewing of the suspect by detectives led to the gruesome discovery of the body of the child in a storm water pipe outside Worcester on Wednesday evening as pointed out by him.
He will be charged with murder and is expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s court on Friday, 21 February 2020.
As the investigation unfolds, the possibility of the suspect facing additional charges cannot be ruled out.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Yolisa Matakata has hailed the diligence of the detective team involved as well as the search parties. She acknowledged that while the arrest would not bring back Tazne, the incarceration of the suspect would send a stern warning to would-be perpetrators.
“In a province that is notorious for crimes against women and children, we reiterate our resolve to ensure the perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to book in order to face the full might of the law,” says Lt General Matakata.
Meanwhile the parents of Tazne have just been informed of the discovery and they are receiving counselling.
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