Suspect arrested for murder of Nelspruit grandmother in Cape Town smash-and-grab

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of retired Nelspruit teacher Karin van Aardt, who was fatally stabbed during a smash-and-grab incident on Jakes Gerwel Drive in Cape Town, Daily Voice reports.

The 64-year-old grandmother was attacked last Friday during peak traffic at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue.

Van Aardt and her husband, Herman, had flown into Cape Town International Airport from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and were en route to Vredenburg to celebrate the eighth birthday of their only grandchild, who lives with their son Ruan.

Shortly after hiring a vehicle at the airport, the couple was travelling along the N7 when a suspect smashed the car window, attempted to grab Van Aardt’s handbag, and stabbed her multiple times during the struggle. She was later declared dead at Netcare N1 City Hospital.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police confirmed that a 33-year-old suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.

“In a joint effort between the South African Police Service and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials, integrated police deployments worked tirelessly to identify, trace and charge a 33-year-old suspect following the murder of a 64-year-old woman on Jakes Gerwel Drive in a smash-and-grab incident,” the statement read.

“The victims, Mrs Karin van Aardt and her husband, were travelling to Vredenburg when the suspects allegedly smashed the window of their vehicle and attempted to grab items inside. The deceased was stabbed during the scuffle and later certified dead in hospital, where she had been rushed by her distraught husband.”

Following the attack, law enforcement teams acted swiftly based on intelligence gathered during the investigation. The suspect was apprehended in Langa, where he was questioned by detectives and subsequently charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

Police added that additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 December 2025.

Authorities have urged the public to assist police with information that could prevent similar crimes and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Police also confirmed that during the festive season, integrated deployments have been intensified at identified crime hotspots in line with the Safer Festive Season Operational Plan.

IOL News