Nelspruit Grandmother Stab To Death In Cape Town Smash-And-Grab After Airport Arrival

A grandmother from Nelspruit lost her life in a shocking attack shortly after arriving at Cape Town International Airport on Friday. Karin van Aardt, 64, was fatally stabbed in what police are describing as a smash-and-grab incident.

Van Aardt and her husband, Herman, had flown from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to attend their granddaughter’s eighth birthday in Vredenburg, where their son lives.

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The couple had just picked up a rental car and were en route along the N7 when the tragedy occurred.

At the corner of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel, an assailant broke the car window, stabbed Karin multiple times, and attempted to steal her handbag. Herman van Aardt quickly drove away, stopping another motorist for directions to the nearest hospital.

Cape Town Smash-and-Grab Ends in Tragedy

Karin van Aardt was rushed to Netcare N1 City Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Emergency personnel at the hospital attempted resuscitation, but her brother-in-law, Uli Tumpelman, told Lowvelder:

“She said at 5.45 p.m. that they had landed safely, but at 7 p.m. Herman said we had to pray — there was trouble. She was just a grandmother who wanted to celebrate her only grandchild’s birthday.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case had been opened.

“Goodwood police registered a murder case for investigation following an incident on Friday, 5 December 2025, on the corner of Jakkalsvlei and Jakes Gerwel Drive, in which an adult female was stabbed and fatally injured,” Twigg said.

Police Appeal for Witnesses and Information

According to reports, the van Aardts were sitting in traffic when an unknown male attempted to rob them. The victim sustained stab wounds to the chest and later died at the hospital.

The suspect remains at large, and the case has been transferred to the Nyanga police for further investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or report anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app. Authorities are appealing to the public for any leads that may help apprehend the attacker.

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