Man murdered in battle with armed robbers
One of the robbers shot him twice and Bowers died on the scene.
WHITE RIVER – The Lowveld, like the rest of the country, is a war zone, with an increasing number of armed attacks being reported. Mr Clive Bowers (60) paid with his life on Tuesday night when he tried to defend himself against an unknown number of armed assailants who surprised him in his home at Bundu Wildlife Estate.
His life partner, Ms Renate Wagner, was left unharmed. According to a statement issued by the police, they were asleep when they suddenly heard a noise in the house. The suspects threw a rock through the sliding door. The couple locked themselves in their bedroom and called for help.
The suspects kicked the door open and Bowers sprayed them with pepper spray.
One of the robbers shot him twice and Bowers died on the scene.
Wagner fell on top of him, pretending to be dead too.
“The suspects then fled with a television set and cellphones. The police and private security guards worked together to search for the criminals.
They only managed to recover a television set, with a firearm which we believe was used in the murder of the victim,” the statement read.
Lowvelder went to the scene early Wednesday morning and found the couple’s domestic worker at the house. She said she had been working for them for 24 years and that this had been the third time they had been targeted by criminals in their home.
“It was a terrible thing that happened. I cried when I spoke to the neighbours this morning,” she said. Wagner posted the following on her Facebook profile on September 18: “Beware: there is a gang of thugs out to steal flat-screen TVs.
They are after some kind of powder, which is coating a ‘card’ inside the TV, which they believe is a drug – total myth! We have had four TVs stolen on the Bundu Estate, ours included”.
Mr Mark Southern, chairman of the estate, met with the newspaper yesterday. He said the estate had experienced an increase in criminal activity since last September.
In another serious incident in November, resident Ms Anneke Coetzer sustained serious injuries when she was hit with a rock in the face during an armed attack.
Southern confirmed another incident during which a retired couple from abroad were overpowered and robbed. He said security measures had been increased and included additional manpower and technology and added they had received good cooperation from certain members of the police.
Bowers was a member of the Steelwings Motorcycle Club. It paid tribute to him, saying he was a kind and caring gentleman.
“Your seat in the clubhouse may be empty and your cage might not follow us on the rallies, but we will always remember you
for your songs, poetry and funny chirps.
“Our deepest sympathies go to Renate and the family.
“Rest in peace Clive – until we meet on the highways in the sky. Love you – your devastated Steelwings family.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident, is requested to contact the branch commander of the detectives in White River, Lt Thokozani Zungu on 013-751-1271 or 082-449-0334.
Bossies Community Justice is offering a reward of up to R50 000 for information that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of perpetrators. Operational manager Mr Jacques Meiring can be contacted on 082-567-5212.
