The Bulletin arrived on a sombre scene on Wednesday night after a business owner was murdered at the Lifestyle Centre in ext. 22, Secunda.
Not much information was available upon arrival as the SAPS forensics team was still en route and the police were still taking statements.
It became clear later that Mr Chris Botha and his sister, Ms Louri Botha were busy closing up the shop, Hollow Hog Pizza when the suspects entered.
According to sources the suspects entered the shop and were allegedly approaching Miss Louri Botha when her brother, Mr Chris Botha allegedly intervened, tackled 3 of the suspects and the fourth suspect shot him. This also appeared to be the case on security video footage.
Ms Botha called for help once the suspects had left and were running away.
The investigation is still underway.
Captain Gerhard Elmes, Corporate Media Official for SAPS released the following statement:
On 2020-05-20 at about 18:10 a white male, Mr Chris Botha (34), the co-owner of Hollow Hog Pizza Outlet and his sister, white female, Ms Louri Botha (31) was in the shop busy closing for the day. 4 African males entered the shop wearing masks and gloves.
The complainant, Ms Louri Botha alleged that the suspects grabbed Mr Botha and during a struggle Mr Botha was shot in the back of the head, where after the suspects ran away on foot. It was discovered that the deceased’s firearm, a 9mm handgun, that he carried on him in a holster, was missing. (Firearm circulated ref 84158.)
The deceased was declared dead on the scene by Langamed. The motive for the crime is not yet known and the investigation still has to ensue.
No arrests have been made as of yet.
Family members have been informed of the passing on of Mr Botha.
CAS 56/05/2020: Murder & Business Robbery
