The uproar at the murder of KwaZulu-Natal battlefields historian David Rattray continued into Sunday, with leading businessmen, quoted by the Sunday Times, expressing their deep concern at crime in South Africa.
In its front page lead, the Sunday paper quoted businessman and African National Congress national committee member Saki Macozoma saying Rattray’s murder is ”an example of the criminality that pervades our society”.
”It’s a great loss. He restored the dignity of the Zulu people and their history, and had people spellbound with his intimate knowledge of the Anglo-Zulu war.”
Another businessman, chairperson of Swiss luxury goods group Richemont, Johan Rupert described the murder as ”senseless”.
”Is this the society that thousands of people fought and sacrificed their lives for? People who do not believe that our country is in crisis with violent crime must be in denial.”
He said South Africa is not the society he had hopes to raise his children in.
”South Africa has definitely lost one of its great sons … he gave his life to promoting Zulu culture,” he said.
Shock
Police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi is shocked and saddened at the murder, his spokesperson Director Sally de Beer said on Sunday.
”National Commissioner Jackie Selebi has advised that, just as he is saddened at the violent death of any person in this country, he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the senseless murder of Mr David Rattray,” read a statement.
He trusts that KwaZulu-Natal police will use all resources at their disposal to bring those responsible to book.
The legendary Rattray was attacked and killed at his lodge at Rorke’s Drift on Friday evening.
KwaZulu-Natal police on Saturday afternoon said no arrests had been made following the murder.
”We are still investigating the matter; we are hoping to make arrests soon,” said Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu.
Rattray’s killer entered his house and fired a single shot before being ordered to re-enter the building to fire another two rounds, according to a source close to the scene.
The South African Press Association heard on Saturday morning that the leader of the gang had ordered the killer to go back inside Rattray’s home after the first shot was fired.
Only one of the gang had entered Rattray’s home while the others, including the man who appeared to be the leader, stayed outside.
The attackers then fled.
The gang had first held up the receptionist at the lodge.
Rattray was instrumental in putting the province’s battlefields on the international tourism map. — Sapa