UPDATE: Van Dyk Park shooting survivor dies in apparent suicide
After narrowly surviving a hail of bullets outside his home, the victim has died in an apparent suicide, prompting further investigation by police.
Police have confirmed that Wiandre Pretorius (41), the Van Dyk Park man who narrowly survived a shooting outside his home on Thursday, has died in an apparent suicide.
Pretorius’ name had been mentioned during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
According to the police, Pretorius died at a petrol station in Brakpan on the evening of February 7. The incident reportedly took place shortly before 22:00. He reportedly shot himself in front of his partner.
Also Read: [Video] Neighbours recount chaos, fear after van Dyk Park daylight shooting
Pretorius was implicated in the murder of a man in Sallies Village in 2022. And the daylight shooting, which occurred on February 5, sparked questions about whether the attack could be linked to sensitive, high-profile murder investigations by Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
@brakpan_herald Employees were seen scrubbing bl**dstains from the forecourt earlier this morning while motorists continued to refuel as usual. #brakpan #brakpantiktok #madlangacommission
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said an inquest docket has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
“All role players, including police detectives and forensic experts, attended to the crime scene,” said Mathe, adding that this matter is under investigation.
As previously reported, the Van Dyk Park attack involved occupants of a Toyota Vitz who opened fire on Pretorius as he arrived home, striking his bakkie 16 times.
The victim survived by taking cover beneath the vehicle and was not seriously injured. A case of attempted murder remains under investigation, with the motive still unknown.
The close timing of the two incidents has heightened unease among Van Dyk Park residents, many of whom have already expressed concerns about safety and the protection of individuals connected to high-profile inquiries. Police have indicated that investigations into both matters are continuing.
Residents had after the February 5 daylight shooting described Pretorius as a quiet, family-oriented man known for helping others and being involved in community policing structures, including the CPF and CPI.
“He never caused trouble,” one neighbour said. “He’s a good father, a good husband, and a good man.”
Also Read: Attempted ‘hit’ in Van Dyk Park believed to be linked to Madlanga Commission
