Heartbreaking: Hours after Landing for her only Grandchild’s 8th Birthday
CCN News
Cape Town: – A beloved grandmother from Nelspruit never made it to her granddaughter’s birthday party, after she was brutally murdered in a smash-and-grab attack just minutes after collecting a rental car at Cape Town International Airport on Friday afternoon, 5 December 2025.
Karin van Aardt (64), a retired teacher, and her husband Herman had flown in from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport filled with excitement. They were on their way to Vredenburg, to celebrate their only grandchild’s 8th birthday with their son Ruan and his family. Tragedy struck shortly after they left the airport when their vehicle was attacked at the intersection of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Bonteheuwel.
An unknown man smashed the passenger window, stabbed Karin multiple times in the chest in an attempt to steal her handbag, and fled the scene. In complete panic, Herman sped away, flagged down another motorist, and followed him to the nearest hospital. Despite desperate efforts by trauma staff at Netcare N1 City Hospital, Karin succumbed to her injuries. Doctors said she had already lost too much blood and her heart had stopped before she arrived.
Her brother-in-law, Uli Tumpelman, told Lowvelder: “She sent a message at 17:45 saying they had landed safely. At 19:00 Herman phoned and just said ‘Pray, there is big trouble.’ “She was simply a granny who wanted to see her only granddaughter blow out eight candles.”
Police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg confirmed: “Goodwood police have opened a murder docket, and the circumstances indicate the motive was robbery.” ” The suspect is still at large, and the investigation has been transferred to Nyanga SAPS.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
Photo supplied to media by family: Rest in peace, Karin van Aardt. A loving wife, mother, and ouma taken far too soon.
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