Tazne Van Wyk's killer, Moyhdian Pangkaeker dies in prison
Moyhdian Pangkaeker was sentenced to 225 years in prison for the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old Tazne van Wyk.
Image: File
The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed the death of Moyhdian Pangkaeker, who was sentenced for the rape and murder of Tazne Van Wyk.
In a statement shared with the media, Singabakho Nxumalo said Pangkaeker had died in his sleep.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms the passing of offender Moyhdian Pangkaeker
“He died in his sleep and was discovered by officials on November 18, 2025.
“Pangkaeker was serving a life sentence at Brandvlei Maximum Centre for multiple offences, including seven counts of rape, five counts of assault, five counts of common assault, one count of corpse violation, and one count of murder.
“The family has been duly informed of this unfortunate incident.”
In February 2023, Moyhdian Pangkaeker was sentenced to nine life terms (225 years) plus an additional 34.5 years—over 250 years total, running concurrently—for an effective 25-year prison sentence. The judge recommended no parole eligibility.
Tazne van Wyk, 8.
Image: file
Pangkaeker was convicted on 21 of 27 charges, notably:
- Kidnapping, rape, and murder of eight-year-old Tazne Van Wyk in Cape Town (February 2020).
- Eight counts of child rape.
- Sexual assault and exploitation of children, incest, and desecration of a body.
- Absconding from parole.
During sentencing, Judge Alan Maher called Pangkaeker a "deceitful, manipulative, and cruel individual" and a "cunning and dangerous criminal" who should not return to society. He was ordered onto the National Sex Offenders Registry. Pangkaeker had 11 prior convictions, including murder, dating back to 1981, and was on parole during these crimes.
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