Woman dies weeks after Jakes Gerwel smash-and-grab attack

The Police in Samora Machel are investigating a case of murder, malicious damage to property and common assault, following a suspected smash-and-grab incident that turned fatal two weeks later.

According to police, two women were driving in a White Ford Figo at the corner of R300 and Jakes Gerwel Road, Samora Machel, on Sunday 11 October 2026, when the incident occurred.

The 55-year-old driver heard a loud bang from the left passenger window, just after turning into Jakes Gerwel Drive, and noticed that the passenger was bleeding from the left side of her head and was unconscious.

“She immediately drove to Philippi SAPS, from where she escorted to a nearby day hospital where both of them were treated. The driver was only treated for trauma and the injured victim was later transported to another nearby hospital for further medical treatment,”said Police Captain FC Van Wyk

According to Van Wyk, the injured passenger, identified as Anthea Wilkinson, later died in hospital on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Investigations into the incident continue, and no arrest has been made yet.

The Jesus Celebration International Church, where Wilkinson served as a pastor, however, confirmed that she died on Sunday, 25 October 2026. In a Facebook post, the church added that her family had the painful task of saying their final goodbyes on Saturday night.

“Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Police have since urged motorists to hide valuables like laptops, cellular telephones, handbags, and wallets in the trunk of their vehicles before starting their journey and never place items on the back seat or the floor once you have already stopped.

Members of the public are also urged to leave an escape gap between their car and the vehicle in front of them. This will allow you to drive away if threatened.

“Do not use your phone 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 tire. Install protective smash-and-grab film on your vehicle windows.”