By Everson Luhanga
• Police opened an inquest after reservist Wiandre Pretorius died at a Brakpan petrol station, days after reporting that gunmen tried to kill him at his home.
• Pretorius had earlier survived a shooting outside his Boksburg house, where his vehicle was riddled with bullets but he escaped unharmed.
Police have opened an inquest after the death of police reservist Wiandre Pretorius at a petrol station in Brakpan.
Pretorius died on Saturday, 7 February 2025.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said an inquest docket was registered after a 41 year old man reportedly shot himself.
“All role players, including police detectives and forensic experts, attended the crime scene. This matter is under investigation,” said Mathe.
The incident happened at a petrol filling station on the East Rand.
Pretorius reportedly died in front of his partner, Juan Maré Eksteen, who is a police sergeant.
Eksteen was also mentioned during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption.
Days before his death, Pretorius reported an alleged attempt on his life.
The incident happened outside his home in Van Dyk Park, Boksburg, which falls under the Dawn Park policing area.
Police said Pretorius was about to drive into his yard when a white Toyota Vitz stopped nearby.
Three unknown gunmen allegedly opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Pretorius was not injured, but his vehicle was badly damaged.
In a voice note shared after the shooting, Pretorius called for help from the scene.
“Klapper Street, Van Dyk Park. Come and assist me here. They shot my bakkie up. I don’t know if it’s a hit or something. I managed to get out,” he said.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that an attempted murder case was opened.
She said the motive for the shooting was unknown and investigations were ongoing.
Pretorius was previously implicated in the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbhense.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate later confirmed that the case docket was sent to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision.
Pictured above: Wiandre Pretorius at a petrol station
Image source: Supplied
