A close-knit Cape Town family is reeling from the devastating loss of 32-year-old Kim White, who was brutally murdered in the United States, allegedly at the hands of her husband.
White, a former teacher who once called Bloubergrant High School home, had only recently begun a new life overseas. After falling in love with an American military veteran she met in Dubai, she moved to Virginia in 2023 with hopes of a fresh start. But those dreams ended in horror on the evening of 24 May, when US authorities say her husband, Alexander Towne, contacted police and confessed to assaulting and killing her inside their Chantilly residence.
When officers arrived at the home around 7:48pm, they found White unresponsive with severe upper body injuries. She was declared dead at the scene. Towne was arrested on the spot and is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Centre on charges of second-degree murder.
Back home in South Africa, shockwaves from the tragedy continue to ripple. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that it is working closely with the South African Embassy in Washington DC to support White’s loved ones, who are now grappling with the painful logistics of repatriating her remains.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola extended his sympathies, calling White’s death ‘deeply saddening’ and urging compassion and respect for the family during this sensitive time.
The cost of bringing Kim’s body home is steep, with repatriation expenses estimated at up to $6,000 (roughly R108 000). Her cousin, Lauren Delcarme, launched a fundraising campaign through BackaBuddy to help cover the costs. By 3 June, they had reached 73% of their goal, a testament to the outpouring of support from friends, family, and strangers alike, as reported by Smile FM.
‘Kim was sunshine personified,’ said Delcarme. ‘She had this gentle way of making people feel seen and loved. It’s unbearable knowing she’s gone.’
Bloubergrant High School also released a message of condolence, remembering Kim as a kind-hearted student who left a mark on everyone who knew her.
Meanwhile, the murder case is under active investigation by US authorities, and no further details have been released about the motive or history between the couple. The South African Government has said it will refrain from commenting further to respect both the family’s privacy and the ongoing legal process.
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Picture: Saffa Sisterhood / Facebook
