A 64-year-old woman from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, was stabbed to death during a smash-and-grab robbery in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, on Friday, 5 December 2025.
Karin van Aardt, a retired teacher, and her husband Herman had just landed at Cape Town International Airport and collected a rental car. They were travelling to Vredenburg to celebrate their granddaughter’s eighth birthday when the attack occurred.
At approximately 18:40, while the couple was stationary in traffic at the intersection of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive, an unknown man smashed the driver-side window. He stabbed Karin in the chest and attempted to grab her handbag.
Paramedics rushed her to Netcare N1 City Hospital, but she died shortly after arrival from severe blood loss after suffering cardiac arrest.
Family member Uli Tumpelman said Karin had sent a message at 17:45 confirming they had landed safely. Less than an hour later, Herman phoned the family in distress, saying Karin had been stabbed and asking them to pray.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Goodwood police initially opened a murder docket, which has since been transferred to Nyanga police for further investigation. He stated: “The motive for the attack is robbery. The suspect fled the scene and is yet to be arrested.”
No arrests have been made, and the perpetrator remains at large.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to submit anonymous tips through the MySAPS app.
