Robert Smit


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

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.
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 the preceding year, and that he was about to "blow the whistle" on these people. However this was never confirmed and no arrests were ever made.