The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has condemned the brutal murder of Johannesburg insolvency attorney Bouwer van Niekerk.
Van Niekerk was shot on Friday, 5 September, at his law firm’s offices in Saxonwold.
POLICE URGED TO BRING KILLERS OF BOUWER VAN NIEKER TO BOOK
Minister Kubayi has extended her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of van Niekerk during this difficult time.
Kubayi said van Niekerk worked on many matters, including high-profile cases, and there is no indication yet of what could have led to this crime.
Furthermore, Kubayi reiterated that the investigation must swiftly deal with the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to book, thereby restoring faith in the country’s laws and law enforcement officers.
According to reports, van Niekerk received threats to resign from one of the high-profile cases he was working on just days before he was assassinated.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, Ian Cameron, said the murder of Bouwer van Niekerk raises disturbing echoes of earlier assassinations of lawyers and investigators who challenged corruption and organised crime.
Cameron said the killings of Cloete and Thomas Murray remain the most brutal example.
ANOTHER CIVILIAN GUNNED DOWN OUTSIDE WESTERN CAPE COURT
The news of Bouwer van Niekerk’s death came just after the fatal shooting of a male accused outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on the same day.
The man, who was scheduled to appear on charges of assault, was gunned down before his court appearance.
Kubayi has since condemned these senseless acts of violence, particularly attacks directed at members of the legal profession who play a vital role in upholding justice and the rule of law.
DO YOU THINK THE MURDER OF BOUWER VAN NIEKERK WAS RELATED TO HIS WORK?
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