Conservationist murdered on farm
2007-11-28 14:37
Johannesburg - Legendary South African conservationist Franz Richter, 80, was murdered on his Muldersdrift farm, west of Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
His daughter Gaby Burgmer said Richter was shot in the head and chest on the property of the Heia Safari Ranch around 10:00.
"It is shocking. This is a senseless, brutal killing in our beautiful country," she said.
Burgmer said her father, who immigrated to South Africa in 1952 with only 20 pounds in his pocket, was the founder of the Ranch and became a "legendary" man.
She said Richter was still fit and active and had many plans for conservation and tourism.
She said he was an avid conservationist who lived by the motto "live in Africa with Africa".
Police spokesperson Captain Emmanuel Ndlovu confirmed that Richter had been shot by three men.
Richter had also been robbed of an undisclosed amount of money, he said.
The men left the scene on foot.
- SAPA