Parents seek justice for murdered son

The parents of Raynard de Villiers (37), who was shot and killed during a business robbery in Boksburg East in 2001, are still struggling with the emotional trauma of their son’s death.

His father, Robert, who has relocated to KwaZulu-Natal with his wife, said the family is still looking for closure as nobody has been arrested.

According to De Villiers, it was a few hours after sunrise on August 20, 2001, when three robbers entered a factory in Commissioner Street, Boksburg East, and held employees, including Raynard, at gunpoint.

“Raynard was then shot and they managed to get away with R20 and a cellphone.”

It has been more than two decades after the incident and De Villiers said they will not find peace until justice has been served.

“It will always be there. You never get away from it, and we don’t wish it upon anyone. There have been so many milestones and things we missed out on. Raynard was a great son who was always willing to help,” said De Villiers, who described his son as a talented businessman.

De Villiers expressed his disappointment in the judicial system.

“We believe the investigation was compromised due to not enough diligence to ascertain information which could have assisted the outcome of the case. We do have information that can have an impact on the case. We don’t even know if they attempted to trace the stolen phone.”

The father added that he has been in contact with the relevant authorities to reopen the case, to no avail.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the inquest was finalised more than 10 years ago and for an inquest to be reopened, there must be new information that has emerged.

“It can be reopened if new evidence not contained in the docket considered by a magistrate comes forward.”

The Boksburg Advertiser is still awaiting comment from the police.

The father said anybody with more information is welcome to contact him on 076 850 0974.

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