WESTERN CAPE - With serial rapist Moyhidian Pangaeker sentenced to nine life terms at the Western Cape High court today, investigating officer in the case Captain Martino Plaatjies says he will sleep better. This follows a crime spree spanning 30 years that started with an indecent assault of a family member that was initially not reported.

Captain Plaatjies, an experienced detective with 32 years in SAPS, of which 17 are in the FCS environment, started off with the murder of Tazne van Wyk. As part of that investigation, the detective delved back into the history of Moyhidian Pangaeker, where he uncovered an array of offences ranging from assault, indecent assault, kidnapping, multiple counts of rape and murder.

Pangaeker who had gained the trust of the seven victims, six of whom were children and family members manipulated and abused the relationship.

The management of SAPS in the Western Cape have commended the efforts of Captain Plaatjies as well as the prosecution team for a sterling investigation that ensured that Pangaeker serves a lengthy sentence.

“We hope the outcome of this case will serve as a motivation to other detectives that are investigating similar cases. Although this may be cold comfort for the family of Tazne van Wyk, Pangaeker’s sentence will ensure that he remains incarcerated away from children,” says Lt Genl Thembisile Patekile.”

Meanwhile, a week ago, the Wynberg Regional Court sentenced 33-year-old Mncedisi Mqulwana to 15 years behind bars for the rape of a child with special needs in Nyanga.

In October 2020, Mqulwana lured the 16-year-old victim to his house in Emms Drive where he locked the doors, threatened and proceeded to rape the victim. After the gruesome act, the victim begged the perpetrator to release her and she fled the scene. The mother of the 16-year-old victim accompanied her to Nyanga police station, where a case of rape was registered. The suspect was arrested moments after the incident was reported. The investigating officer, Sergeant Yandiswa Jack built a strong case against the accused. She stood her ground in court, as the defence fired numerous questions in a bid to derail her. She remained calm and simply answered the questions stating the facts. She was lauded as a credible investigating officer.

Source: South African Police Service