Murder of insolvency lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk sparks outrage

“It was a deliberate hit.”

This is how Gauteng police spokesperson, Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi described the brazen daylight shooting of insolvency lawyer, Bouwer van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk was killed in the boardroom of his Saxonwold, Johannesburg office on Friday.

The 43-year-old was at the time of his death reportedly working on high-profile cases, including a major insolvency case linked to an alleged Ponzi scheme.

According to Nevhuhulwi, nothing was stolen.

“Once inside the boardroom, gunshots were heard, and the assailants fled the scene,” she said.

“The attorney was declared dead at the scene, with no items reported stolen, pointing to a deliberate hit.

"Police are searching for four suspects, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive."

Justice and constitutional development minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned the attack.

Speaking on behalf of Kubayi, her spokesperson Terence Manase said: "The minister appreciates that a full investigation is under way and wishes to reiterate that the investigation must speedily deal with the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to book, to restore faith in our laws and law enforcement officers."

His murder also rocked the legal fraternity.

The SA Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (Saripa) chairperson, Jo Mitchell-Marais, lamented the attack, saying it was a "direct assault on the country’s judicial system".

“It is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable that in SA, courageous, ethical professionals should have to pay with their lives simply for doing their jobs.

"Our members must be able to carry out their work without fear or intimidation and violence."

Parliament's police portfolio committee chair, Ian Cameron said Van Niekerk's murder reminded him of the recent assassinations of other lawyers and investigators who challenged corruption and organised crime.

"The killings of Cloete and Thomas Murray remain the most brutal example," he said.

"Bouwer van Niekerk, a respected insolvency lawyer, was shot dead today [Friday].

"He had previously warned that the murders of Cloete and Thomas Murray had sent a 'terrifying message' to the legal profession."

Cloete and his son, Thomas were killed in a suspected hit on the M1 in March 2023.

Cloete was a Gupta and Bosasa liquidator and Thomas a legal advisor.

Kubayi lamented Van Niekerk's murder, saying it had come shortly after her department received word of the fatal shooting of a man outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.

The 30-year-old man was gunned down on Friday.

It is reported that he was scheduled to appear on charges of assault.

"The minister strongly condemns these senseless acts of violence, particularly attacks directed at members of the legal profession who play a vital role in upholding justice and the rule of law.

"The minister calls on anyone with information on the two incidents to come forward and assist the police," said Manase.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za