Suspect arrested after bloodshed in White River
Marco Schalekamp appeared in court on charges of murder and attempted murder.
The man allegedly at the centre of a recent shooting, Marco Schalekamp (42), handed himself over to police on June 17.
He faces charges of murder and attempted murder following the fatal shooting of Pieter Burger and the critical wounding of Arno van Niekerk near White River Rugby Club.
The incident unfolded in Danie Joubert Street in the early hours of June 5.
Burger died at the scene, reportedly from a gunshot wound to the heart. Van Niekerk sustained severe injuries to his abdomen, chest, back, shoulder and head. He has been discharged from the hospital.
Schalekamp was also critically wounded – shot through both cheeks, with additional injuries to his neck and shoulders.
Emergency responders and police described a chaotic scene. Schalekamp was found bleeding in his vehicle, in which his young son and pet dog were also present, but unharmed. A family friend later removed both from the scene.
The SAPS recovered multiple firearms and several spent cartridges. Police say the motive remains unclear, with several conflicting versions of events still under review.
In the White River Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where security around the courthouse was exceptionally tight, the defence attorney, Leendert Viljoen, applied for the matter to be brought forward to June 20.
However, the prosecutor, Mbongeni Chris Magagula, objected, stating that Schalekamp’s ties to three addresses – Mooiplaas, Barberton and Pretoria, and his reported possession of two to three passports, posed a significant flight risk.
Magistrate Nakedi Malomane granted a seven-day postponement. The case will return to court on June 25.
Schalekamp had allegedly discharged himself from the hospital due to fears for his safety. His legal team requested single-cell detention owing to a C2 vertebra injury – a request the magistrate denied.
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However, she granted that he may be transferred to hospital under police guard should his medical condition require it.
According to a CV circulating on social media, Schalekamp is a highly trained security expert with extensive experience in British military and global high-risk environments.
His listed skills include asset protection, tactical combat, explosives, heavy weapons and crisis management.
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He reportedly served in the UK’s Special Forces Support Group (SFSG), where he specialised in counter-terrorism, air and maritime operations, and emergency medicine.
His résumé includes leading protective operations for government officials, executives, and high-profile clients, as well as deployments in Iraq and Nigeria as part of armed escort and counter-insurgency missions.
Amid rising speculation on social media and in the community, Burger’s father, Pieter Sr, has called for calm.
“The law will take its course and the truth will prevail,” he previously told Lowvelder.
@lowvelder White River Rugby Club played Barberton Rugby Club at Coronation Park yesterday (June 7). The White River first team played the match in honour of club member Pieter Burger, who passed away on Thursday. White River held a 14-13 lead at halftime, but lifted their game in the second half to win 36-20. After the match, the White River players and support staff celebrated the win by paying tribute to Burger. It was an extremely emotional match for White River, who were determined to honour the memory of their late teammate with a victory. A full match report will appear in the next print edition of Lowvelder. #inmemory #lowvelder #whiteriverrugbyclub #rugby
