Two additional suspects have now been formally charged in connection with the gruesome murder of 41-year-old Malcolm Pather, bringing the total number of accused individuals to seven. The ongoing case, which has unsettled residents across Cape Town’s northern suburbs, continues to reveal unsettling details as it proceeds through the judicial system.
On Thursday, the five original accused — Stacey Lee Hector, Wade van Reenen, Kyle Francis, Igshaan Abrahams, and Courtney Nortjie — appeared again before the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court. They were joined in the dock by Paul Solomons and Zainodien Greef, who had both been arrested on 8 August and appeared for the first time two days later.
Solomons, the court was told, had secured the services of a private attorney, while Greef opted for representation from Legal Aid. Their next appearance was on 13 August, when Greef initiated his application for bail. The remaining accused have reportedly abandoned any attempts to seek bail at this stage.
In a surprising turn of events, the court also heard that Wade van Reenen has changed legal representation. After initially being assisted by Legal Aid, he has now appointed attorney Bruce Hendricks as his private counsel.
The accused are facing serious allegations, including murder under Schedule 6, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice. A new charge — theft of a motor vehicle — has also been added to the indictment.
The charges stem from allegations that Pather was abducted after arranging an encounter with Stacey Lee Hector, described during proceedings as a “sex worker”, in Table View on 13 July.
Pather had left his home in Richwood, Table View, and was not heard from again. His phone was reportedly turned off shortly after his departure, which triggered alarm among relatives and led to a search for his whereabouts.
The search ended in tragedy. On 14 July, police discovered Pather’s body in Melkbosstrand. He had been tied up, and his remains were burned beyond recognition at the back of a bakkie. That same bakkie had been reported stolen in Goodwood between 12 and 13 July.
According to information relayed by police investigators and confirmed by Daily Voice sources, the vehicle in which Pather’s body was discovered had reportedly been set alight on two separate occasions. Forensic evidence collected from the scene helped identify a potential suspect.
“His hands were tied behind his back and his body was discovered burned beyond recognition on 14 July in Melkbosstrand at the back of a bakkie that was stolen in Goodwood between 12 July and 13.”
Surveillance footage subsequently captured an individual in possession of Pather’s stolen vehicle. The vehicle was eventually recovered in Mitchells Plain, which helped trace the link between the original crime scene and the suspect caught on camera.
“The bakkie was burned twice and evidence found at the crime scene led to a potential suspect.”
“The suspect was identified on video footage in possession of Pather’s vehicle, which was later recovered in Mitchells Plain.”
As the case unfolds, the involvement of multiple accused and the nature of the charges have raised critical questions about the organisation and planning of the alleged crime. Legal experts observing the proceedings have noted that Schedule 6 offences — particularly those pursued under the doctrine of common purpose — are among the most serious within the South African legal framework. Bail in such matters is seldom granted without the accused demonstrating exceptional circumstances.
The matter has been postponed to 8 September as investigations continue.
“The case was postponed to 8 September.”
