Cape Town smash-and-grab: State to oppose bail for suspects in Nelspruit granny's murder
Three people are appearing in court for the murder of Karin van Aardt.
Image: File
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated that it will oppose bail for the three men charged with the murder of Nelspruit grandmother, Karin van Aardt during a smash-and-grab incident a few weeks ago.
Van Aardt and her husband travelled to Cape Town to celebrate their grandchild's birthday. They were travelling from the airport to Vredenburg when they came under attack.
According to the State’s charge sheet, the three accused were lying on the grass near Jakes Gerwel Drive when they saw the vehicle in which the couple was travelling in, stopping at a red robot.
It is alleged that they ran towards the car, with one of the accused using a spark plug to break the passenger window. Another accused had then attempted to grab van Aardt’s bag and GPS. When she resisted, he allegedly stabbed her several times.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, said that Ndiyabulela Vayi, Thando Nkolongo and Yamnkela Mdunyelwa face charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Their case was postponed for a bail application and further investigation, with the State indicating that it will oppose bail.
Grandmother Karin van Aardt was stabbed to death while on her way to visist her family.
Image: Facebook
The case has sparked widespread outrage with demands for better policing and safety measures along the N2 near the airport.
The City of Cape Town recently said it is planning a security wall along the N2 near the airport.
“The City is planning for a security wall along the N2 around the airport to be erected. This will come at a significant cost estimated at around R180m, but the City is committed to ensuring it is done,” the City said. It added that it is currently preparing its capital budget for the next Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework, with more details expected when the budget is tabled in March.