A Cape Town church pastor has died after suffering critical head injuries in an alleged smash-and-grab attack in Samora Machel, with police confirming that a murder investigation is under way and no arrests have been made.
Pastor Anthea Wilkinson, a leader at Jesus Celebration International (JCI), died in hospital on Saturday, October 24, almost two weeks after the incident on October 11.
The church announced her death in a social media letter signed by church leader Dr J Swartz, describing Wilkinson as one of its most loved leaders.
“One of our greatest and most beloved leaders, Pastor Anthea, passed away on Sunday at 7.30am,” Swartz wrote.
“We pray that justice will prevail and that no other family will have to experience such cruelty and pain.”
What happened in the Samora Machel attack?
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk said the incident happened at about 7.45pm on Sunday, October 11, near the corner of the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Road.
Wilkinson was travelling in a white Ford Figo with another woman when the driver heard a loud bang as they turned into Jakes Gerwel Road.
“Just after turning into Jakes Gerwel Road, the 55-year-old driver heard a loud bang from the left passenger window,” van Wyk said.
Wilkinson was in the passenger seat. The driver noticed that she was bleeding from the left side of her head and was unconscious.
“The driver noticed that the passenger was bleeding on the left side of her head and was unconscious and rushed to the nearest police station,” van Wyk said.
The driver took Wilkinson to Philippi police station. Both women received medical attention, but Wilkinson’s injuries were more serious.
Van Wyk said the driver was treated for trauma, while Wilkinson was transferred to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.
Police confirm murder investigation, no arrests
Van Wyk confirmed that police had registered cases of murder, malicious damage to property and common assault.
No arrests had been made following Wilkinson’s death, and investigations were continuing.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Family asks for privacy following pastor’s death
JCI announced Wilkinson’s death in a letter signed by Swartz, who expressed the church’s grief and called for justice.
Wilkinson’s daughter, Tarquin, also asked for the family to be given time to process their loss and attend to the memorial and funeral arrangements.
“We’ve received a few enquiries regarding my mom’s story, and we kindly ask that you allow our family the time to get through her memorial and funeral first,” she said.
“We are still trying to process everything and navigate this unimaginable loss.”
