Pretoria man killed in Mali hostage drama
A Pretoria man has been shot and killed in Mali.
The family of a Pretoria man is in mourning after he was shot dead in Mali on Friday.
Roelof ‘Jaco’ Janse van Rensburg (38), along with two other South Africans, was in Mali on a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Janse van Rensburg was also attached to an aviation company while in Mali.
Janse van Rensburg was in a hotel in Mali when, according to reports, three armed men stormed the building and opened fire.
International relations and cooperation spokesperson Nelson Kgwete offered his condolences to the family.
“Govt sends its deepest condolences to the family of the SA national who lost his life in the attack in Mali. His family has been informed,” said Kgwete.
“The SA government joins the UN in strongly condemning the attack in Mali.”
Janse van Rensburg’s brother-in-law Cobus Smal has confirmed his death, saying that the family was only notified of his death on Saturday. Smal is currently on a flight back to his family in South Africa from Zambia where he works.
The United Nation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has also since condemned the attacks. MINUSMA said : “The Secretary-General condemns today’s attack in Sévaré, Mali, which led to the death of at least one United Nations contractor. A number of soldiers from the Malian Armed Forces have also reportedly been killed and wounded in the incident which remains ongoing.”
They added: “This attack will not lessen the determination of the United Nations to accompany the Malian people in their efforts to implement the peace agreement. The Secretary-General calls upon the people of Mali and the parties to the agreement to remain united in their pursuit of a just and sustainable peace.”
Friends and family have also since taken to Janse van Rensburg’s Facebook page, posting messages of condolence and posting pictures of fond memories of him.
Dylan Trott posted: “RIP my friend you will be missed.”
Albert Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen said: “RIP ou maat.ons almal gaan jou mis en ons weet jy is nou op n veilig plek en jy sal altyd in ons harte bly.”
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email toeditorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
