Key Takeaways
- A 64-year-old grandmother, Karin van Aardt, was stabbed to death in a robbery attempt in Cape Town, South Africa
- The incident occurred on Friday, December 5, after Van Aardt and her husband, Herman, arrived at Cape Town International Airport to visit their granddaughter
- The attacker broke Van Aardt’s car window and stabbed her with a knife, and she later died of her wounds at a hospital
- The motive for the attack is believed to be robbery, and the suspect is still at large
- The case has been transferred to the Nyanga police for further investigation
Introduction to the Tragedy
A senseless act of violence has shaken a family from Nelspruit, South Africa, after a grandmother was stabbed to death in a robbery attempt in Cape Town. Karin van Aardt, 64, and her husband, Herman, had just arrived at Cape Town International Airport on Friday, eager to celebrate their granddaughter’s eighth birthday in Vredenburg. The couple had flown from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and had hired a car to drive to their destination. However, their joyous trip was short-lived, as tragedy struck just a short while after they left the airport.
The Fatal Incident
As they were driving on the N7, an attacker broke Van Aardt’s car window and started stabbing her with a knife. The attacker also attempted to grab her handbag, but Herman, who was driving, sped away from the scene to escape the danger. He stopped another motorist and asked for directions to the nearest hospital, and the person offered to lead him there. Van Aardt was rushed to Netcare N1 City Hospital, but unfortunately, she died of her wounds. The incident occurred on the corner of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel, and the police have confirmed that a murder case has been registered for investigation.
The Aftermath
The family is still trying to come to terms with the senseless loss of their loved one. Van Aardt’s brother-in-law, Uli Tumpelman, spoke to the Lowvelder newspaper, expressing his shock and grief. He revealed that Van Aardt had sent a message at 5:45 pm to say that they had landed safely, but just an hour and a half later, Herman called to say that they were in trouble. Tumpelman described Van Aardt as a devoted grandmother who was looking forward to celebrating her only grandchild’s birthday. He also praised the emergency personnel at the hospital, who tried to revive Van Aardt, but unfortunately, she had lost too much blood and her heart had stopped beating.
The Investigation
The police are still investigating the incident, and the motive for the attack is believed to be robbery. The suspect, who is still at large, fled the scene after the attack, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has been transferred to the Nyanga police for further investigation, and the police are appealing to the public to assist them in apprehending the suspect. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously. The police are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice and to prevent such senseless crimes from occurring in the future.
The Community’s Response
The community is shocked and outraged by the senseless murder of Karin van Aardt, and many are calling for increased security measures to be put in place to prevent such incidents from occurring. The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and vigilance, particularly among tourists and visitors to the area. The family and friends of Van Aardt are also calling for justice to be served and for the perpetrator to be brought to book. As the investigation continues, the community is coming together to support the family and to mourn the loss of a loved one who was taken away too soon.
