Cape Town officials push for justice after arrest in Van Aardt case

While City officials have welcomed the arrest of a 33-year-old Langa resident for the murder of 64-year-old Karin van Aardt, they have indicated more arrests are expected with the net slowly in on the syndicate.

Van Aardt, a grandmother from Nelspruit, had just arrived in Cape Town to celebrate her granddaughter’s birthday when she was fatally attacked during a smash-and-grab at Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive. Her killing intensified public outrage and renewed scrutiny of violent roadside crime across the city.

Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said enforcement teams acted with precision and urgency and would continue to drive the effort for arrests: "The City will continue to assist SAPS in its investigation through CCTV, boots on the ground, and the sharing of information.

"We have also appealed directly to residents of Langa for any information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of all those involved in this case. Our NSOs were again in Langa, distributing pamphlets and encouraging residents to help us identify the syndicates behind these attacks.

"I want to commend Bishops Lavis SAPS, the City’s Law Enforcement, Metro Police, the City's SSIU and SSIMS for their excellent work which has led to the arrest of a suspect linked to the tragic murder of Karin van Aardt,” he said.

“Their swift and coordinated action over the past few days demonstrates the value of close cooperation between enforcement agencies.”

He noted earlier instructions to explore new counter-crime strategies, including integrated deployments, stronger informant networks, targeted investigations into the syndicates, and the expanded use of technology.

“As this case proceeds, I call on the prosecuting authorities to oppose bail for the suspect,” Smith said.

Sub-council chairperson Angus McKenzie expressed deep anger and grief.

“I will actively oppose any attempt for bail in this case,” he said.

He urged motorists to report all incidents: “These incidents are unacceptable, horrendous, and deeply traumatising… Justice can only prevail when these crimes are consistently reported and when communities stand together against criminal behaviour.”

Earlier a R20 000 reward had been offered for information  which could lead to successful arrests.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said officers moved fast after the attack. “After the disturbing incident, integrated deployments worked around the clock in search of the perpetrators. Armed with vital intelligence, the law enforcement officials pounced on the suspect in Langa."

He was questioned by detectives who later charged him with murder and aggravated robbery.

“As the investigation unfolds, the arrest of more suspects is expected," she said.

Potelwa confirmed the suspect will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and said police and City law enforcement have intensified deployments for the festive period.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus