HIGHVELD – “I’m on my way home,” were the last words Mr Kobus Rudolph (52) said to his wife, Trudi, when leaving his uncle’s home in Dunnotar after a quick, spur of the moment visit early the evening of 31 March.
Mr Rudolph was returning from a business meeting in Sasolburg and paid a visit to his uncle before making his way back home to Secunda.
The family had been looking forward to the upcoming Easter weekend that would have been spent on their farm, and seeing their daughter Estée (21) return from university for a few days’ visit.
“I later called him but his phone went to voicemail. At first, I assumed he might have been in the area near our family farm where the reception is not good,” said Ms Rudolph.
She then went to lie down. When Ms Rudolph woke up after midnight and saw that all the lights in the house were still on, she was frightened. Her husband had not yet returned home.
Alarm bells began to ring when Ms Rudolph tried to call her husband’s cellphone again but to no avail.
“When I could not get through to him, I immediately phoned the police stations and hospitals, but no one could help me,” said Ms Rudolph.
She phoned their son, Conroy (25), during the early hours of the morning, 1 April, and insisted they go look for Mr Rudolph.
“My mom phoned and said something is not right,” said Conroy.
The family became concerned as they always communicate their coming and going with each other and if there were any changes in their plans, this would always be discussed.
The Rudolph family had no idea where to begin and resorted to phoning friends and family in that area to help search.
“We went to file a missing person report at the Dunnotar Police Station, but halfway through the report we were told they found my dad.
“At first we thought they found him at a hospital, but that is when they told us my father was found deceased,” said Conroy.
It is believed that Mr Rudolph was a victim of a highjacking and murder.
According to a media statement released by the police, Mr Rudolph’s body was found on the road in Lavers Street, Nigel.
Witnesses saw his body being thrown out of a moving vehicle.
Police were further informed that there were two vehicles, a white VW Polo and a Land Cruiser, registration numbers unknown, in the street when the incident occurred.
The cops said the suspects were driving from the east of 6th Avenue and Lavers Street and were following each other.
Emergency services were called to the scene.
Mr Rudolph was shot in the torso. He was declared dead on the scene.
The Rudolph family has since reached out to well-known private detective, Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Service, to assist in the investigation.
Mr Morney Vos from Specialised Security Services obtained video footage of Mr Rudolph driving in Nigel at 8:47pm on 31 March. He was being followed by a white BMW-3 series.
The BMW’s registration number is unknown at this stage.
Not long after that, the vehicle of Mr Rudolph and the unidentified BMW drove past the camera again.
It seems as if Mr Rudolph was highjacked during this time frame, was driven around inside the BMW, and also shot in the same car.
Mr Rudolph’s vehicle was seen going through the Ugaga Plaza toll gate on the N12 toll road at 9:42pm.
His burned-out vehicle was later recovered in Daveyton, but his personal belongings were missing.
According to the family, Mr Rudolph never used the N12 in the past.
Safety had always been a concern for Mr Rudolph and he was known to make sure doors and windows were always closed and locked.
“Our father was always cautious and aware of his surroundings.
“We always take the N17 route, he doesn’t deviate, and he won’t just take a back road or a quicker way to get home. “He was a responsible man and always kept us in the loop of things.”
Mr Rudolph was described as a loving husband and father who would do anything for his family.
“We were his pride and joy, especially when it came to his children.
“He always tried his best to protect us and make sure we are safe,” said Ms Rudolph.
She said that her husband was a good businessman with great character traits, and who was good for his workers and his community.
“He was a funny man and enjoyed his life to the fullest,” said Ms Rudolph.
Estée said her dad lived by the saying “Live every day like it is your last” and he did just that.
The family appeals to anyone with information to please come forward.
Anyone with any information can contact Mr Vos at 066 212 5193 or Email sss.morney@gmail.com
Or you can also contact the police’s crime stop number at 086 001 0111 or make use of their MySAPS app.
