Travel scam shooter dies

Hendrick Wright, 64, died at the Steve Biko Hospital on Wednesday night, police spokeswoman Mirna von Benecke reportedly said.

 

Wright had been expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on October 22 with his wife Renette and secretary Salome Klopper. The two women appeared in court on August 4.

The three were accused of defrauding Adriaan Petrus Johnson of R26,000, which he paid Wrights' company, Zambezi Tours and Safari, for a holiday package.

 

Investigating officer Constable John Ramollo previously told the court their alleged modus operandi was to cancel trips a week before the departure date, and then not refund the clients.

 

The three were arrested in Sinoville on July 24. On that day Warrant Officer Ben Strydom, 47, was shot dead while trying to arrest the husband at his home.

According to police, when Wright saw the police, he tried to escape, but Strydom caught him. He drew a firearm and shot the policeman before fleeing. While travelling on the Moloto Road he stopped his car and shot himself in the head.

 

 

(File photo: Getty images)