It is suspected that a syndicate robbed and murdered a much-loved vet from the Moot.
This new information came to light after a well-known Pretoria private investigator Mike Bolhuis started probing the robbery last week.
Dr Freddie Malan, owner of the Jakaranda animal hospital, was shot dead at his practice in Frates Road during a robbery on 31 January.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Bolhuis investigating Moot vet’s murder
Bolhuis told Rekord that investigators were aware of six other robberies between Pretoria and Johannesburg in which the same modus operandi was used.
He said that Malan was the first fatality in these robberies.
“Most of the robberies were at veterinary clinics, but other places were also targeted,” he said.
Bolhuis said he got on board with the investigation after a family member of Malan’s contacted him for help.
“This specific family member suspected foul play. Malan and his family have been clients of ours for years,” he said.
Residents should be aware of the increase in robberies, not only in Pretoria but in Gauteng as a whole, he said.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Moot vet still closed after murder
“We received a complaint from a family in Wonderboom South who got robbed in broad daylight while they were at church,” he said.
Bolhuis urged people not to resist or fight back when confronted in a robbery.
“Only do so if you have been properly trained to protect yourself and the people around you. Your life is more important than anything else,” he said.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said no one had been arrested for the murder by Friday.
He said there were new leads that the police were following up on, but he could not give any further details.
Makhubela could not, however, confirm the details of the syndicate.
A case of murder and robbery is being investigated by the police.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: ‘No developments’ in Moot vet murder case
Bolhuis said anyone was welcome to contact or the police with more information.
Rekord previously reported that Malan’s death hit residents so hard they started placing flowers in front of his practice.
CPF chairperson Elsabe van Staden said Malan’s death was a huge loss to the community.
She said that business robberies remained an issue in the area.
“I encourage all business owners to join the CPF’s business forum,” she said.
“Together we can fight this crime and prevent it from happening.”
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