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.
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.