DELFT – Tragedy struck the Voorbrug community of Delft in the early hours of Sunday, 22 September, when 21-year-old Karel Mars, a deaf father, was fatally stabbed by a group of men who crashed a birthday party. The incident, which occurred at a house in Tertia Street, has left the neighbourhood reeling in shock and grief.
According to eyewitnesses at the party, the evening began enjoyably but took a sinister turn with the arrival of seven men in a car.
“The evening was lekker, until this group arrived,” one eyewitness recounted, requesting anonymity.
The men initially kept to themselves before leaving and returning on foot. As the party wound down past 4am, the group refused to leave, sparking a confrontation that escalated into stone-throwing.
Partygoers scrambled inside the house for safety, but Karel and a friend remained outside. The friend managed to escape and called out to Karel, but tragically, due to his deafness, he couldn't hear the warning.
“His friend got a getaway and shouted for him to come but he couldn't hear, and unfortunately they caught him,” the eyewitness explained.
The attackers then turned their aggression towards the house, smashing windows.
Adding to the chaotic scene, the initial group of attackers returned with reinforcements and firearms. One was overheard saying, “my broe, os maak klaa” – a chilling indication of their intent to inflict serious harm. The timely arrival of the police likely prevented further injuries or fatalities. “alles was deurmekaar, and the men returned with reinforcements and guns, and one was heard saying, “my broe, os maak klaa,” another witness recalled.
They added that some people at the party believed the attackers had been using cocaine, while others speculated that they arrived with the intention to cause harm, questioning where they had obtained the knives used in the attack.
Karel’s parents, Margaret and Mark Mars, are devastated by the loss of their son. Margaret described the harrowing moment they found Karel lying opposite the house, having managed to run a short distance after being stabbed.
“We heard shouting, when we came outside we saw Karel laying opposite the house, he was so strong, he ran from where the incident happened,” she said.
Mark picked up his son, who tragically died in their arms just ten minutes later. The fatal blow, according to his parents, pierced Karel's lungs.
The young father leaves behind a two-month-old baby, now left to grow up without a father.
“He has a two month old baby who now has to grow up without a father. This is a very difficult situation for us, we just want justice for our son,” Margaret expressed, her voice filled with grief.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and the subsequent murder investigation.
“Delft police registered a murder case following a stabbing incident on 22 September 2024 at 4am at a premises in Tersia Street, Voorbrug, Delft, where a 21-year-old male was fatally stabbed,” he reported.
Three suspects have been arrested and appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court. The case has been remanded to Thursday. While the motive remains under investigation, police suspect an argument may have led to the fatal stabbing.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. Motive can be an argument.”
This tragic incident highlights the escalating violence plaguing communities like Delft and the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression. The senseless loss of a young father leaves a void in his family and community, while the circumstances surrounding his death raise serious questions about safety and security in the area.
