Robert Smit (politician)

Robert Smit was a member of South Africa's National Party, and was murdered together with his wife Jean-Cora in 1977. They were survived by their two children, who were staying at their Roper Street home in Pretoria.

The Smits were shot several times and stabbed in their Springs home on November 22, 1977. The words "RAU TEM" were spray-painted in red on the walls and kitchen cupboards. Dr Smit was involved in a front company - SANTAM International - for the South African Government at the time. This was a company created to circumvent sanctions with regard to the procurement of sensitive military and economic resources.

Many theories abound about the reasons for the murders as well as the identity of the perpetrators. The most popular, is that he had become aware of a massive scam by South African politicians, to enrich themselves during his sojourn with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) the preceding year, and that he was about to "blow the whistle" on these people.

Several people have been unfairly identified during the frenetic witch hunt that followed on the murders. However, nothing concrete has ensued and no arrests have been made. [cite web|url=http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=273402&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__national/|accessdate=June 26|accessyear=2006|title=SAPS: Smit murders not solved]

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