‘MURDEROUS’ COUPLE IN COURT

A ‘SEX worker’ appeared at Atlantis Magistrates Court with her partner on Wednesday, facing accusations of murdering a man whose charred remains were discovered in Melkbosstrand.

Stacey Lee Hector, 39, and Wade van Reenen, 39, are charged with the murder of Malcolm Pather, 41, after his body was found incinerated beyond recognition in a vehicle on Old Mamre Darling Road, Melkbosstrand, on July 14.

The court was informed that Hector was initially scheduled for her first appearance on July 28 following her arrest on July 25, but she attempted suicide and was subsequently hospitalized.

However, Hector was not alone yesterday as her partner, Van Reenen, joined her in the dock. The two were seen engaged in conversation, with Hector resting her head on his shoulder as they were escorted back to the holding cells.

The court also noted that the accused face additional charges of kidnapping and obstructing justice.

Pather was last observed leaving his home in Richwood in his Blue BMW 1 Series on July 13, but his phone was switched off that day. Although his vehicle was later located in Mitchells Plain, he was still missing.

It is alleged that he had arranged to meet the suspected sex worker Hector in Table View on the day he vanished.

Reports suggest that Pather fell into a trap, believed to have been ambushed and extorted by the couple.

According to sources from Daily Voice, a bakkie that was stolen in Goodwood between July 12 and 13 was further incinerated with the body in the back.

Additionally, sources indicated that evidence collected from the crime scene pointed to a potential suspect, identified through video footage, who was seen in possession of Pather’s vehicle.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk explained: “The body of the male found was burnt beyond recognition. All leads were pursued based on evidence collected at the crime scene, and a possible person of interest was identified.”

The state announced its intent to oppose bail, citing that witnesses are known to the accused and expressing concern they might evade trial.

The court heard that Van Reenen has a prior drug conviction, and their case has been postponed to August 4 for a bail application. They remain in custody.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact the investigating officers: Melkbosstrand SAPS Detective Sergeant Theys at 072 560 2512, Sergeant Pietersen at 082 469 6277, or Bothasig SAPS Detective Sergeant Jaftha at 064 775 7492.