Sixty year-old Louis George Rademeyer was a respected businessman, with extensive business interests in Kuruman, Northern Cape. He was one of eight people convicted of culpable homicide in 2004.
His brush with the law began when members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) marched in Kuruman in 1995. A group of white citizens of the town decided to hold their own march, resulting in clashes with SAMWU members. The clashes resulted in the death of a SAMWU member.
Mr Rademeyer and seven other people were eventually convicted on charges of public violence and culpable homicide in 2004. They were sentenced to five years in prison for public violence and an additional five years for culpable homicide. They appealed the sentence, but lost the appeal, and were expected to start serving their sentences in 2006. Mr Rademeyer fled the country just six days before reporting for sentence.
The Hawks believe he fled to the United States. Mr Rademeyer returned to Namibia for a visit during the festive season. The Hawks received information on his whereabouts and notified Interpol. Mr Rademeyer was arrested and locked up in Namibia on 31 December 2010. He is currently in custody in Namibia. On Monday 3 January, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to begin an extradition application to have Rademeyer returned to South Africa to start serving his sentence.
Enquiries:
McIntosh Polela
Cell: 082 475 1427 or 079 563 1625
Source: South African Police Service
