Milnerton reeling after fatal stabbing spree

Residents of Milnerton are reeling following a violent stabbing spree that left two people dead and several others injured on Wednesday, April 23. 

Among the deceased was the wife of James Jonker, a former member of the Milnerton Crime Watch Trust (MCWT).

According to Milnerton police spokesperson Captain Nopaya Madyibi, the suspect was arrested shortly after the attacks and is currently in custody. 

He made his initial court appearance on Friday April 25, where he faces two charges of murder, three of attempted murder, and one charge of having a dangerous weapon.

He is scheduled to appear again at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday May 9.

The motive for the attacks remains unclear, but police have confirmed that the weapon used in the assaults has been recovered.

The attacks reportedly began at around 2.30pm outside the Cash Crusaders store at Centre Point Shopping Centre, where a woman was found with multiple stab wounds.

Further investigations revealed that additional stabbings had occurred along Koeberg Road, leading towards Milnerton police, where one victim managed to flee to the police station to report the assault, prompting officers to respond swiftly and arrest the suspect in the vicinity, said Captain Madyibi

According to Captain Madyibi, the suspect also attacked individuals in Bosmansdam and later assaulted a staff member at West Coast Fisheries and Gallo Portuguese after being asked to move from the entrance. The suspect was apprehended shortly thereafter.

The Milnerton Crime Watch said two patrol members, Gert Prinsloo and Cassiem, responded to the incident and contacted emergency services. The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The MCWT expressed shock and concern following the attacks, describing the incident as “deeply distressing” and offering condolences to the victims’ families. The Trust also called on witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist police in their investigation.

The Milnerton Ratepayers’ Association echoed this appeal, urging residents to support police efforts by reporting any information or observations they may have.

“We are keeping all the victims, their family and friends in our thoughts during this time,” the association said in a statement.

The Milnerton Community Police Forum did not respond to requests for comment.

Residents in the community did not want to comment on the incident but said they remain deeply saddened and confused by the attack.

Anne Hoffmann pleaded with residents who witnessed the attack to come forward via a Facebook post.

"My father was stabbed in the head yesterday afternoon (Wednesday April 23) in Koeberg Road, Milnerton. From my knowledge, there were about four or five victims. My father is the second to be declared brain dead. The suspect has been apprehended by Milnerton SAPS. I am looking for more information, anyone who was there, who witnessed what happened. Please, please contact me on Facebook as well as SAPS Milnerton. Please share this post far and wide," she wrote.