The South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA) has raised alarm over the increasing violence against insolvency professionals in the wake of the assassination of Bouwer van Niekerk, a prominent lawyer in the field. Van Niekerk was shot and killed at his practice in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, on Friday, causing widespread shock and concern within the legal community.
Van Niekerk’s death marks a chilling echo of a troubling trend. At the time of his murder, he was engaged in high-profile cases, including the investigation of an alleged Ponzi scheme. Witnesses report that four men drove to his practice in a GMW vehicle, posing as clients, before two entered his office. It was there that gunshots rang out, resulting in Van Niekerk’s fatal injuries.
Police spokesperson, Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed that a manhunt is underway, although the motive for the attack remains unclear. “The unknown men fled the scene and the 43-year-old attorney was declared dead on the scene. Police investigations are ongoing,” Nevhuhulwi stated.
Jo Mitchell-Marais, SARIPA chairperson, expressed her deep sorrow and outrage over the incident. “It is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable that in South Africa, courageous, ethical professionals should have to pay with their lives simply for doing their jobs,” she said, emphasizing the urgent need for safety measures for those in the legal field.
Mitchell-Marais highlighted the larger context of violence against professionals dealing with sensitive cases, noting that Van Niekerk’s murder follows the assassinations of insolvency practitioners Cloete Murray and his son, Thomas Murray, just over two years ago.
Ian Cameron, chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee, echoed the sentiments of SARIPA, stating that those investigating corruption often face grave dangers. Cameron noted that Van Niekerk’s murder is part of a tragic series of executions targeting individuals delving into corruption, particularly those linked to the State Capture cases. He remarked, “Unfortunately, we have not seen the kingpins being arrested and successfully prosecuted.”
Chad Thomas, an IRS forensic investigator, warned that the killing of whistleblowers is becoming a significant threat to the fabric of South African society. “Until we see not just trigger men but these masterminds behind these killings taken to task, assassination unfortunately becomes an option for individuals aiming to protect their illicit gains,” he pointed out, alluding to a broader problem of corruption affecting service delivery across the nation.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi extended her condolences to the family and colleagues of Van Niekerk, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist authorities in bringing the culprits to justice.
With investigations ongoing, SARIPA’s engagement with relevant authorities is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing security for legal practitioners, who now operate in an environment fraught with peril.