A rally legend killed in Pretoria
Known for his skills in rally driving, Hettema had more than 100 rallies under his belt.
A former Springbok cyclist and rally driver was killed in a robbery in the east of Pretoria on Wednesday morning.
Jan Hettema (83) was shot and killed by two burglars on his smallholding in Boschkop around 08:00.
According to reports Hettema was attacked by two men. His wife, a housekeeper and her baby were locked in a closet by the two men.
It was not immediately clear whether anything had been stolen from the house.
Hettema was the father of singer Helena Hettema and was especially known for his skills as a rally driver.
He obtained Springbok cycling colours in 1955 after representing South Africa at the World Cycling Championships in Rome. Hettema also took part in the Olympic Games in Australia in 1956.
Hettema had more than 100 road rallies under the belt and won the South African Rally Championship five times.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said medics responded to a call after an 83-year-old man was shot on his farm in Boschkop near the R515 around 09:00.
Mathe said medics declared the man dead on arrival.
“Reports from the scene indicate the man was shot during a robbery on the farm.”
She said the body was handed over to Boschkop police.
Mathe said the man’s wife was assaulted during the robbery and was treated for minor injuries.
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