Jacques Raath, 60, faces a charge of murder following the death of Alvano Gundry, 24, who was allegedly shot at a residence in Kruger Street, Delportshoop.

Raath appeared in court on Monday (13/7) for a bail judgement and after he applied on Tuesday, 23 June. Raath was arrested on the same day.

Northern Cape police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Litabe said preliminary investigations indicated that Gundry and several companions were allegedly stealing oranges from a property when the shooting occurred.

‘We still miss Alvano every day’

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was reportedly stealing oranges with his friends at a house when the male suspect shot at him,” said Litabe. “Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting are continuing.”

Following the incident, police confiscated several firearms, including rifles, which were sealed as evidence and removed by forensic investigators as part of the ongoing investigation.

“We still miss Alvano every day,” said family member and ANC ward 6 councillor Richard Springbok. “He died in a very cruel way.

“He (Raath) could have fired a warning shot or let his dogs out. No one should be killed for stealing oranges that grow wild on trees. We do not condone what he did by stealing oranges, but it does not give anyone the right to take a life."

DFA reports community members claimed Gundry, who lived in the nearby Rooikoppies, and another man allegedly entered the property through a hole in the fence before the homeowner reportedly fired a shot through a window.

Neighbours described repeated incidents of housebreaking and trespassing in the area, saying many homes had become frequent targets for criminals. Some residents believed the homeowner reacted after noticing a group of men on his property.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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