Western Cape police have made a major breakthrough in the brutal murder of Karin van Aardt, a retired Nelspruit teacher who was killed during a violent smash-and-grab attack in Cape Town last week.
Van Aardt, 64, was travelling with her husband, Herman, along Jakes Gerwel Drive when attackers targeted their vehicle in a brazen robbery.
The couple had just landed at Cape Town International Airport and were en route to Vredenburg to celebrate their grandchild’s eighth birthday.
Suspect Arrested After Intensive Manhunt
According to a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and City of Cape Town law enforcement, a coordinated search operation has resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect.
The breakthrough follows days of extensive intelligence-gathering after the fatal attack, which occurred at the busy intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue during peak traffic.
Police confirmed that the suspect was apprehended in Langa, where integrated policing teams tracked him down.
He has since been charged with murder and aggravated robbery.
Authorities believe additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
The accused is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
A Violent Attack That Shocked the Country
Sources indicate that during the robbery, suspects smashed the window of the couple’s car, triggering a violent struggle.
Van Aardt suffered fatal stab wounds and was declared dead later in hospital.
The shocking incident has intensified concerns about rising violent crime, particularly on routes leading to and from Cape Town International Airport, where tourists and locals alike have increasingly become targets.
Political Reaction and Calls for Action
Karin van Aardt’s murder has sparked strong condemnation from political parties.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) labelled the incident as yet another example of South Africa’s escalating violent crime crisis, saying criminals are empowered by a failing criminal justice system.
The party noted that only three weeks earlier, it had warned authorities about growing lawlessness in the area – including incidents of rocks being thrown at vehicles on major roads – urging immediate intervention.
Festive Season Safety Boost
In response to the attack, SAPS and law enforcement agencies have intensified patrols and operations across identified crime hotspots in the province as holiday activity increases.
Authorities say they remain committed to making the Western Cape safer and ensuring visitors and residents can travel without fear.
