Tulbagh, a peaceful Western Cape town known for its wine farms and mountain views, has been shaken by the brutal murder of a long-time British resident.
Authorities have confirmed the victim as 73-year-old Karl Lauks, who had swapped London life for South Africa more than 40 years ago. His lifeless body was discovered slumped inside his car on Piet Retief Street at midday on Monday, with signs pointing to a violent struggle.
Emergency teams responded around 12:15pm, but it was already too late; Lauks was declared dead on the scene. Western Cape police believe the motive was robbery, although the full circumstances are still under investigation.
Sources close to the case say Lauks may have been ambushed inside his vehicle. Items such as his cellphone, belt, and house keys were reportedly missing from the car, raising suspicions of a targeted attack. Disturbingly, reports suggest he may have been gagged with a scarf before being killed.
The case took a swift turn when a 29-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the discovery of Lauks’ body. Investigators reportedly found Lauks’ house keys discarded in the suspect’s garden, further deepening suspicions. He is expected to appear before the Tulbagh Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
According to local media outlet Netwerk24, Lauks and the suspect may have had a history of disagreements, though police have yet to confirm a direct link between those tensions and the murder.
The tragedy has rocked the Tulbagh community, where Lauks was described by neighbours as a quiet, well-liked figure who had contributed significantly to the area’s engineering projects during his career.
Police are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious or has information that could aid the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the anonymous MySAPS app.
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Picture: Screenshot / Google Maps
