Cape Town - Fears are growing regarding the fate of missing 8-year-old Tazne van Wyk.
Police are appealing for information as to the whereabouts of a man called Pangkaeker Moyhdian, 54, who is believed to have information that could assist in finding her.
Residents said Moyhdian was an alleged parolee who allegedly served 20 years for rape.
Tazne, from Clare Street in Ravensmead, was last seen on Friday after leaving home for a shop only about eight steps away.
She was wearing a white top and red shorts.
Her distraught parents, Carmen van Wyk and Terence Manual, have made a plea for help and asked people to keep up the search. Video: Sisonke Mlamla/Cape Argus
Police are appealing for information as to the whereabouts of a man called Pangkaeker Moyhdian, 54, who is believed to have information on the 8-year-old girl.
They were worried they would never hear her child’s voice, or see her run around the house with her two siblings, or hear the corny jokes she told every day.
On Sunday, residents, law-enforcement officers, community police forums, Pink Ladies and ward councillor Beverley van Reenen searched in and around the area as far as the Parow mini-bus and train station.
A neighbour, Zelda Trantraal, said while searching they received tips from people, but nothing led them to the missing girl, or Moyhdian.
On Sunday, residents, law enforcement officers, community police forums, Pink Ladies and ward councillor Beverley van Reenen searched in and around the area as far as the Parow mini-bus and train station. Picture: Sisonke Mlamla/Cape Argus
On Sunday, residents, law enforcement officers, community police forums, Pink Ladies and ward councillor Beverley van Reenen searched in and around the area as far as the Parow mini-bus and train station. Picture: Sisonke Mlamla/Cape Argus
On Sunday, residents, law enforcement officers, community police forums, Pink Ladies and ward councillor Beverley van Reenen searched in and around the area as far as the Parow mini-bus and train station. Picture: Sisonke Mlamla/Cape Argus
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said the search was
continuing.
Manual said Tazne was 1.5m tall and of slender build with brown eyes, a small nose, black braided hair and a small scar on her left hand.
Van Reenen said the situation was devastating, “however, we are doing everything in our powers to find Tazne unharmed”.
“I also encourage the community to please allow the police and law enforcement to use their dog units”.
She said “people were causing stress to the dogs”.
Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz called on residents to assist in efforts to find Tazne.
Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez said she would provide trauma support to the family.
The incident comes eight days after the police, in partnership with Facebook, launched an “Amber Alert” tool to find missing children.
The alert triggers a message to the Facebook community to be on the lookout for a child reported missing.
Anyone with information can call the investigating officer, Sergeant Dale Franks on 082 334 8772, the nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or SMS Crimeline 32211.
Zelda Trantraal, a community member also part of the search said this is the first time a child went missing in their area. Video: Sisonke Mlamla/Cape Argus
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