An Edgemead man fought off a smash-and-grabber on Jakes Gerwel Drive last Thursday, 3 September, at the same spot where retired teacher Karin van Aardt was stabbed to death in December last year.

Bishop Lavis police are investigating attempted robbery and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm cases following the incident on the corner of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue, in peak afternoon traffic.

The 53-year-old Rudi van den Bergh told Netwerk24 that he was stabbed in the left arm three times by a suspect who used a spark plug to break the passenger-side window, as he stopped at a red traffic light.

The suspect demanded his cell phone, but Van den Bergh refused to hand it over. The suspect then pulled out a knife and started stabbing towards Van den Bergh. He says if he hadn’t lifted his arm in self-defence, it may have ended very badly.

Van den Bergh says he then instinctively drove over a pavement to get away, dragging the suspect along with him, half hanging onto the vehicle.

The suspect eventually fell out, and Van den Bergh drove himself to the hospital. No arrests have been made.

The corner of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkelsvlei Avenue has seen several smash-and-grab incidents recently, with Bonteheuwel councillor Angus McKenzie previously acknowledging that syndicates are operating in the area.

City councillor and FF Plus member, Emre Uygun, says the smash-and-grabbers operating along this stretch are extremely dangerous.

In April, a smash-and-grabber was shot and killed by a motorist at the same corner.

Three suspects, Ndiyabulela Vayi, Thando Nkolongo and Yamnkela Mdunyelwa, were arrested for the murder of Van Aardt. The court previously heard that the suspects hid in long grass along Jakes Gerwel Drive before spotting Van Aardt and her husband’s rental car, which also stopped at a red traffic light.

One of the suspects also used a spark plug to smash the passenger window, while another stabbed Van Aardt.