Mpumalanga attorney shot dead in home robbery

Unknown gunmen have shot a well-known attorney in Mpumalanga.

He was shot dead during a housebreaking near White River in the early hours of Monday.

Gerrit Stander, 38, was employed at Swanepoel & Partners in Mbombela.
Police spokesperson Col Donald Mdhluli said the details of the shooting incident remained sketchy as the wife who was present on scene was still in shock.

The police is yet to obtain a statement which could shed more light into the matter.

“Preliminary reports suggests that a man [the father-in-law] received a message via WhatsApp that there was a break-in at his daughter’s [wife of the deceased’s] residence, where he was requested to call the police and medical personnel as her husband had been shot,” said Mdhluli.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the man was taken to hospital for medical treatment for gunshot wounds.”

“The man, unfortunately, was later reported to have passed on at hospital.

“The police opened a case of murder and house robbery.”

The attackers also stole valuable items.

A manhunt had been launched to fish out the killers.

“The police appeal to members of the public to assist with information regarding this incident by contacting branch commander Det Capt John Mabunda on 082 449 0334 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.”

“Alternatively a tip-off can be given on the MySAPS app that can be downloaded to any smartphone,” he said.

“All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”