The Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape heard on Friday that the three suspects arrested last week for the murder of Karin van Aardt lay in wait in the grass next to Jakes Gerwel Drive before attacking her rental vehicle.

According to Lowvelder, the men, Ndiyabulela Vayi, Thando Nkolongo and Yamnkela Mdunyelwa, face charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Attack at red robot

The state alleged the men spotted the vehicle stopping at the red robot and ran towards it. Nkolongo then took out a spark plug and broke the passenger window while Vayi attempted to grab Van Aardt’s bag and GPS.

She resisted, refusing to let go of her belongings, and she was stabbed several times in the chest, allegedly by Vayi.

Bail and court updates

Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the case has been postponed to Friday for a formal bail application and further investigation.

He said the state will oppose their bail application.

The 33-year-old suspect who was arrested first failed to appear in court on Thursday. Police have not yet confirmed when he is expected to appear.

Family remembers

Van Aardt and her husband, Herman, had flown from Mbombela to Cape Town on December 5 and were on their way to Vredenburg for their grandchild’s eighth birthday when they were attacked in a smash-and-grab that resulted in her death.

A memorial service will be held at NG Moedergemeente Nelspruit at 11:00 on Thursday to honour her life.

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