'REIGN OF TERROR' Cops nab suspect in gran's murder amid rising roadside crime

A 33-YEAR-OLD suspect has been arrested for the murder of 64-year-old Karin van Aardt following an intensive joint operation between SAPS and the City of Cape Town - a breakthrough welcomed by authorities, but one that has done little to ease mounting concerns about violent roadside crime across the city.

- MURRAY SWART

Brigadier Novela Potelwa said officers acted rapidly 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."

Potelwa said more arrests are expected. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate's Court on Thursday (today)and added that police and City law enforcement have intensified deployments for the festive period.

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 murder triggered an outpouring of public anger and renewed scrutiny of escalating roadside attacks, particularly on notorious corridors such as Jakes Gerwel Drive.