UP lecturer gunned down in Bronkhorstspruit

A 55-year old senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria (UP) was shot and killed in what looks like a gunfight between him and his attackers.

The incident happened on his farm in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria.

Dr. Frikkie Liebenberg, a senior lecturer in agricultural economics, was living alone on his farm. He was also alone at the time of the shooting.

National police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said initial investigations indicate that he was attacked by unknown persons.

“He was shot through the window in the upper body. It appears to be a gun fight between him and his attackers.

A weapon was found next to his body,” Dlamini said.

According to Dlamini, is seems the attackers did not enter his house. He said Liebenberg was found by farm workers on Saturday morning.

“The farm workers said seems that nothing was stolen from the house.

UP spokesperson Rikus Delport said everybody at the university was in total shock at the news of Liebenberg’s murder.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Delport said.

Liebenberg joined the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development at the University of Pretoria in 2010. Dlamini said the police have opened a murder case and are looking for Liebenberg’s attackers.

“The motive for the murder is unknown,” Dlamini said.

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