Jim Mohlala|Published
A Cape Town pastor has died nearly two weeks after suffering critical head injuries in an attack on a car near Samora Machel, with police now investigating her murder and no arrests made.
Pastor Anthea Wilkinson was travelling with another woman near the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Road intersection on October 11 when the driver heard a loud bang from the passenger-side window. Wilkinson was found bleeding and unconscious and rushed for medical assistance, but later died in hospital.
Jesus Celebration International (JCI) announced her death on social media in a letter signed by church leader Dr J Swartz.
Wilkinson died in hospital on Saturday, 24 October 2026, following an assault that left her with critical head injuries.
The letter described 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,” wrote Swartz.
“We pray that justice will prevail and that no other family will have to experience such cruelty and pain.”
Family asks time to mourn
IOL Media reached out to Wilkinson’s family. Her daughter, Tarquin, asked that the family be given time to get through the memorial and funeral first.
She said: “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.
“We are still trying to process everything and navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Police investigate attack
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk told IOL Media that cases of murder, malicious damage to property and assault had been registered.
He reported: “Samora Machel police registered murder, malicious damage to property and assault common cases.”
According to police, the incident happened on Sunday, October 11, at about 7.45 pm at the corner of the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Road. Wilkinson was travelling with another woman.
“According to reports, the two victims(women) were driving in a White Ford Figo at the mentioned address.”
Van Wyk said the driver heard something hit the car as they turned into the road.
Van Wyk added: “Just after turning into Jakes Gerwel Road, the 55-year-old driver heard a loud bang from the left passenger window.”
Wilkinson was in the passenger seat and was badly hurt.
“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.
“She immediately drove to Philippi SAPS.”
Both women received medical attention, but Wilkinson’s injuries were more serious.
“The driver was only treated for trauma and the injured victim was later transported to another nearby hospital for further medical treatment.”
Following Wilkinson’s death, Van Wyk said no arrests had been made, and investigations continue.
He appealed to the public to help police: “Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
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