Community members carry a banner reading “Justice for Pastor Anthea” as they march along the road where Pastor Anthea Wilkinson was attacked, on Sunday. The protesters blocked the stretch, demanding justice for her and other victims of smash-and-grab attacks.
A suspect linked to a series of alleged smash-and-grab attacks on Jakes Gerwel Drive, including the attack that led to Pastor Anthea Wilkinson’s death, will return to the Philippi Magistrate’s Court next Thursday after his bail hearing was postponed. Community groups are urging other victims to report similar incidents to police.
Wilkinson, a leader at Jesus Celebration International (JCI), died in hospital on October 24, almost two weeks after suffering critical head injuries in an alleged attack on October 11.
The 53-year-old was travelling in the passenger seat of a white Ford Figo near the intersection of the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Drive when she was allegedly struck by a brick.
The driver noticed that Wilkinson was bleeding from the left side of her head and was unconscious. She rushed her to Philippi police station for assistance.
Both women received medical attention, but Wilkinson’s injuries were more serious.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk said the incident happened at about 7:45 pm on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
An adult male was arrested following the incident.
Community calls for motorists to report attacks
Following the court proceedings, Africa Restoration Alliance (ARA) leader Dr Jerome Swartz said the postponement highlighted the need for further information to strengthen the case.
Swartz said the incident should be treated as murder rather than a smash-and-grab.
“This was not just a smash-and-grab; this was murder with a stone. The brick is still out there, and there are many other victims of similar attacks, many of which have gone unreported,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as the City of Cape Town's failure to protect motorists using the busy route, saying repeated attacks had left communities living in fear.
ARA and several community groups are expected to hold a demonstration demanding greater accountability, with further action possible if authorities fail to respond to their concerns.
Swartz said the party was planning a protest along Jakes Gerwel Drive to demand improved safety measures and greater accountability from the City.
“We are planning a picket demonstration along that road, where we expect thousands of people to attend. We want the City to respond to the safety concerns of motorists who use the route,” he said.
“The next step is to go to the mayor’s house because when these incidents happen on the R300, they don’t feel the pressure or the concerns because it is far away from where they live. We are going to take the protest to where they live.”
Petition urges victims to come forward
The calls come amid a community petition titled Keep Him Behind Bars: End the Stone-Throwing Terror on Jakes Gerwel Drive, which urges victims of previous attacks to report incidents to police.
According to the petition, a suspect was allegedly spotted attempting to smash vehicle windows before being pursued and found hiding in nearby bushes.
The petition calls for stronger action against those responsible for attacks on motorists and encourages victims to formally report previous incidents to police.
JCI announced Wilkinson’s death on social media, describing her as one of its most loved leaders.
“We pray that justice will prevail and that no other family will have to experience such cruelty and pain.”
The matter is expected to return to court next Thursday, November 19, 2026.