Angling community mourns SA black bass “legend” murdered during Dullstroom breakaway
He realised his dream of watching his sons become respected anglers.
The husband and father who was shot and killed during an invasion at their Dullstroom guesthouse around 04:20 this morning has been identified as internationally renowned angler John Wickham from eMalahleni.
Mr Wickham is the father of two young sons, who followed in his footsteps to obtain their Protea angling colours.
Friends of the late Mr Wickham says “there’s never been a darker day in South African angling,” following his death.
Mr Wickham was shot while protecting his wife Magda from two armed assailants that broke into their unit at a Dullstroom guesthouse.
They awoke from the sound of shattering glass after the robbers gained entry to their unit by smashing a window.
The unit was dark and according to a police source Ms Wickham could see her husband chasing the robbers from their room after two shots were fired.
He collapsed outside the unit.
A security guard told Ms Wickham and fellow travellers to rush Mr Wickham to Belfast Hospital where he was declared deceased upon arrival.
Mr Wicham represented South Africa during the Bass World Championships at Sabor Lakes, in Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal, between 16 and 22 October this year.
He has since been described as the “gentleman of black bass angling” by friends.
He was affiliated with Gauteng Ebass TTT boasting a 5.29kg personal best in large mouth bass, and 2kg in the small mouth category.
He was also a SABAA (South African Bass Angling Association) Mpumalanga committee member and served as the Northern Division Junior President.
Mr Wickham took a lot of pride in his role as manager of the Junior Protea Team, with both his sons Tristan and Nathan, following in his footsteps.
Mr Wickham loved Loskop Dam which he said was his favourite angling spot.
He realised his dream of watching his sons become respected anglers.
Mr Wickham also served as manager of the SABAA Presidents team and had two caps each as manager of the Protea junior team and SABAA president anglers.
Andre Booyens, a close friend of Mr Wickham, returned from Loskop Dam, his friend’s favourite spot, earlier this morning when he heard about the murder.
“Senseless, my heart is broken, he was a model father, husband and gentleman. my prayers go out to his family,” Mr Booyens said.
Police have since launched a massive manhunt for the killers, and urge anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.
