Cornelius Louw Retief

Cornelius Louw Retief (1966 - 1994)

Brief overview:

Cornelius (28), a farmer from Klipklop, Weenan, was tied up with wire and then executed on 27th August 1994.

In October two suspects were arrested, but released due to lack of evidence.

Extract from the Inquiry Report:

"Retief: 1994-08-27

Cornelius Louw Retief (about 30 years of age) lived on the farm Klipkop in the Weenen district. On 27 August 1994 his body was found on the farm in the vicinity of the house, with hands tied behind his back with wire. Two .32 calibre bullets were found near the body. He had died of a gunshot wound to the neck. He had been shot with a 9mm pistol, probably one that had been stolen during the attack. Half a bottle of brandy was found near the body.

In October 1994 two suspects were arrested after being pointed out by an informer, but there was insufficient evidence to charge them and they were released. There were vague allegations of an assassin (his name is mentioned) being involved. Apparently the deceased had had a dispute with people stealing firewood on the farm. There was also mention of the deceased having had financial problems and the farm was later repossessed, but this seems to be unrelated to the attack.

No other evidence has ever come to light, and a judicial inquest was held in December 1995 to finalise the matter. The person or persons responsible for Retief’s death could not be identified.

Comments:

- It is clear that the deceased was shot dead execution style, with his hands tied behind his back.

- Because of the allegation of the dispute with people stealing firewood on the farm, the Committee wanted to investigate the matter further.

- The motive for the attacks is unclear, although the farmer’s firearm was stolen.

- Because of the length of time that had elapsed, however, very little other information could be obtained."

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Farm/Smallholding
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items Stolen
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

• ID Number : 6607275187082
• Official cause of death : Unnatural causes

Links to Media articles:

• https://africacheck.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Final-Report-Com...
• https://www.gendatabase.com/deceased-record.php?q=3485521&r=CORNELI...