A Western Cape pastor who sustained severe head injuries during a smash-and-grab attack at the corner of the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Road, Samora Machel, Cape Town, earlier this month has died in hospital. 

Pastor Anthea Wilkinson was travelling with another woman in a white Ford Figo when the incident occurred on October 11. 

Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel FC van Wyk said that just after turning into Jakes Gerwel Road, the driver heard a loud bang from the left passenger window and noticed that Wilkinson was bleeding and unconscious.

It is believed she was struck in the head with a brick. 

Van Wyk said the driver went straight to the Philippi Police Station, from where she and Wilkinson were escorted to a nearby day hospital for treatment. 

“The driver was only treated for trauma and the injured victim [Wilkinson] was later transported to another nearby hospital for further medical treatment.” 

He said the matter is under investigation and no arrests have been made. 

Family 

When contacted for comment by Caxton Network News, Wilkinson’s daughter stated that the family would issue an official statement following the funeral. 

Wilkinson was a leader at Jesus Celebration International, and the church announced her death on its Facebook page yesterday (October 27). 

“It is with an extremely heavy heart and deep sorrow that I share the devastating news that one of our greatest and most beloved leaders, Pastor Anthea, passed away on Sunday morning at 07:30,” the post says. 

“Pastor Anthea loved every one of you. She loved this church, she loved the work of God, and she gave herself wholeheartedly to the calling upon her life. 

“Her passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in our hearts and in this ministry. But her labour, her sacrifice, her faith, and her legacy will not be forgotten,” read the post.  

Violent crime 

In a post on Facebook, Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, said Wilkinson’s story reflected the pain of far too many South African families who have lost loved ones to violent crime.  

“Families left grieving, searching for answers and hoping that those responsible will face justice. Behind every murder statistic is a person whose life mattered, and people whose lives have been permanently changed. 

“Nobody should lose their life simply because they travelled through an intersection. We cannot accept violent crime as a normal part of living in South Africa,” he said.  

He added that her family deserved answers, as did the many others who are still waiting for justice. 

“Her name must not become another forgotten statistic,” said Cameron. 

Safety advice for motorists 

Van Wyk advised motorists travelling on that road to hide valuables such as laptops, cellphones, handbags and wallets in the boot before they start a trip. 

“Never place them on the back seat or the floor once you have already stopped. Leave an escape gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you so you can drive away if threatened.” 

He added that motorists should not use their phones or leave charging cables and loose change visible on seats or dashboards. 

“Ignore hawkers and strangers trying to get your attention or offering unsolicited help, such as claiming you have a flat tyre.” 

 “Install protective smash-and-grab film on your vehicle windows,” said Van Wyk 

He urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. 

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