Robert Smit

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Robert Smit
Died1977
Springs, Transvaal
NationalitySouth African
OccupationMember of South Africa's National Party
Known forMurdered together with his wife Jean-Cora

Robert Smit was a member of South Africa's National Party, and was murdered together with his wife Jean-Cora in 1977.[1] They were survived by their two children, who were staying at their Roper Street home in Pretoria.[2]

Death and aftermath[]

The Smits were shot several times and stabbed in their Springs, Transvaal home on 22 November 1977. The words "RAU TEM" were spray-painted in red on the walls and kitchen cupboards. Dr. Smit was the managing director of Santam, South Africa's largest short-term insurance company and one that the South African government used to circumvent sanctions with regard to the procurement of sensitive military and economic resources.[3]

Many theories have been proferred regarding the reasons for the murders as well as the identity of the perpetrators. One was that he had become aware of a massive scam by South African politicians, to enrich themselves during his sojourn with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) the preceding year, and that he was about to "blow the whistle" on these people.[citation needed] However this was never confirmed and no arrests were ever made.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "New claims made about who killed Robert Smit | Cape Times". iol.co.za. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  2. ^ "New claims made about who killed Robert Smit | Cape Times". iol.co.za. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Did apartheid SA kill its rising star?". 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.

External links[]

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