Convicted Child Killer Moyhdian Pangkaeker Found Dead In Prison Cell

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed the death of Moyhdian Pangkaeker, the man convicted of raping and murdering eight-year-old Tazne Van Wyk. According to DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, Pangkaeker died in his sleep at Brandvlei Maximum Centre.

Nxumalo said: “The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirms the passing of offender Moyhdian Pangkaeker. He died in his sleep and was discovered by officials on 18 November 2025. The family has been duly informed of this unfortunate incident.”

Serving Life for the Brutal Murder of Tazne Van Wyk

Pangkaeker was handed multiple life sentences for a string of violent crimes, including seven counts of rape, five counts of assault, five counts of common assault, one count of corpse violation, and one count of murder.

In February 2023, he received nine life terms — totalling 225 years — along with an additional 34.5 years. Although the sentences were to run concurrently, he effectively faced 25 years behind bars with no parole eligibility, as recommended by the presiding judge.

Eight-year-old Tazne disappeared from her Ravensmead home in February 2020. Her body was later discovered in a stormwater drain in Worcester. The case sparked national outrage, especially after it emerged that Pangkaeker, a repeat offender, had been out on parole at the time.

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Judge Found Moyhdian Pangkaeker Version “Clearly False”

During sentencing, Judge Alan Maher noted that the state relied on circumstantial evidence to prove that Pangkaeker kidnapped, raped, murdered, and desecrated Tazne’s body, including cutting off her hand.

He rejected Pangkaeker’s claims that his DNA appeared under Tazne’s nails because he tried to rescue her from kidnappers. The judge pointed out that under cross-examination, Pangkaeker contradicted himself by saying his hands were tied behind his back.

“He clearly knew where she was and pointed out her body to the SAPS on the night of his arrest. The obvious conclusion is that he knew Tazne was dead because he was the killer,” Maher ruled.

With Pangkaeker now dead, the case that horrified South Africa effectively comes to a close — though the trauma of the crime remains deeply felt in the community.

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