‘Syndicate’ suspected in Pretoria vet murder
Investigators are aware of six other robberies between Pretoria and Johannesburg in which the same modus operandi was used.
Jakaranda animal hospital. Image: Jakaranda Animal Hospital website
It is suspected that a syndicate robbed and murdered a much-loved vet from the Moot.
This new information came to light after a well-known Pretoria private investigator, Mike Bolhuis, started probing the robbery last week, reports Pretoria Moot Rekord.
Dr Freddie Malan, the owner of the Jakaranda animal hospital, was shot dead at his practice during a robbery on January 31.
ALSO READ: Pretoria veterinarian shot and killed during robbery
The late Dr Freddie Malan. Photo: Supplied
Bolhuis told Pretoria Moot Rekord that investigators were aware of six other robberies between Pretoria and Johannesburg in which the same modus operandi was used.
He said that Malan was the first fatality in these robberies.
“Most of the robberies were at veterinary clinics, but other places were also targeted,” he said.
Bolhuis said he got on board with the investigation after a family member of Malan’s contacted him for help.
“This specific family member suspected foul play. Malan and his family have been clients of ours for years,” he said.
Residents should be aware of the increase in robberies, not only in Pretoria but in Gauteng as a whole, he said.
“We received a complaint from a family in Wonderboom South who got robbed in broad daylight while they were at church,” he said.
Bolhuis urged people not to resist or fight back when confronted in a robbery.
“Only do so if you have been properly trained to protect yourself and the people around you. Your life is more important than anything else,” he said.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said no one had been arrested for the murder by Friday.
He said there were new leads that the police were following up on, but he could not give any further details.
Makhubela could not, however, confirm the details of the syndicate.
Bolhuis said anyone was welcome to contact or the police with more information.
A case of murder and robbery is being investigated by the police.
Pretoria Moot Rekord previously reported that Malan’s death hit residents so hard they started placing flowers in front of his practice.
CPF chairperson Elsabe van Staden said Malan’s death was a huge loss to the community, adding that business robberies remained an issue in the area.
“I encourage all business owners to join the CPF’s business forum,” she said.
“Together we can fight this crime and prevent it from happening.”
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