Cape Town – A family celebration turned into a nightmare last week when Karin van Aardt, a 64-year-old retired teacher from Nelspruit, was brutally murdered in a smash-and-grab incident just minutes after arriving in Cape Town. The grandmother had flown in to celebrate her grandchild’s eighth birthday, but her life was tragically cut short in a violent roadside attack.
Karin and her husband, Herman, had arrived at Cape Town International Airport from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on Friday afternoon. They had hired a car and were making their way towards the N7, planning a weekend in Vredenburg, where their son Ruan lives.
But their journey was violently cut short. As they came to a stop at the intersection of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel, a man smashed Karin’s window, lunged into the vehicle and began stabbing her while attempting to grab her handbag.
Herman sped off in panic and managed to flag down another motorist, desperately asking for directions to the nearest hospital. He followed the driver to Netcare N1 City Hospital, where medical teams fought to save her life. Despite their efforts, Karin succumbed to her injuries.
Her brother-in-law, Uli Tumpelman, described the family’s devastation. He told Lowvelder that the couple had sent a message at 5:45pm to say they had arrived safely in Cape Town, only for Herman to phone less than two hours later, pleading for prayers. ‘She was just a grandmother who wanted to celebrate her only grandchild’s birthday,’ he said. He added that paramedics tried to revive her but later confirmed that she had lost too much blood by the time she reached the emergency ward.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Goodwood police have opened a murder case. He said the couple were stuck in traffic when the attacker tried to rob them, stabbing Karin in the chest before fleeing on foot. She later died at the hospital, and no arrests had yet been made at the time.
Twigg said the motive is robbery, and the case has since been transferred to Nyanga police for further investigation.
In a significant breakthrough, Western Cape Police have announced the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect in connection with the murder. According to a joint statement released on Wednesday by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials, comprehensive efforts to track down the culprits have resulted in the arrest.
This follows an extensive search in the aftermath of the shocking attack that unfolded during peak traffic hours at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue. Sources indicate that as they drove through the busy area, suspects smashed the window of their vehicle, instigating a violent struggle. Tragically, Karin was stabbed during the encounter and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
In response to the incident, integrated police teams worked around the clock to gather intelligence, which led to the suspect’s capture in Langa. Upon questioning, he was charged with murder and aggravated robbery. Authorities express confidence that further arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
The arrested individual is set to appear at Bishop Lavis court on Thursday, 11 December 2025. In an effort to bolster safety during the bustling festive season, police forces have intensified operations in identified hotspots around the region, underlining their commitment to protecting communities.
The alarming nature of Karin van Aardt’s murder has prompted strong reactions from political parties, including the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus). The party highlighted her death as evidence of South Africa’s persistent crisis regarding violent crime, asserting that criminals are emboldened by a malfunctioning criminal justice system.
They emphasised the urgent need for action and protection from lawlessness, especially in areas surrounding Cape Town International Airport – three weeks ago they urged authorities to take measures against increasing violence, including rocks being thrown on major roads.
The party highlighted her death as evidence of South Africa’s persistent crisis regarding violent crime, asserting that criminals are emboldened by a malfunctioning criminal justice system. They emphasised the urgent need for action and protection from lawlessness, especially in areas surrounding Cape Town International Airport – three weeks ago they urged authorities to take measures against increasing violence, including rocks being thrown on major roads.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit details anonymously via the MySAPS app.
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