Johannesburg – Former South African cyclist and rally driver Jan Hettema was murdered on his smallholding in Tweedrag near Boschkop on Wednesday morning. Police spokesperson Captain Marissa van der Merwe confirmed the incident. According to Van der Merwe, the attack happened around 08:00 when two armed gunmen overpowered Hettema, 83, his wife Elsa and a worker at their home.

“Jan was shot dead at point-blank range in the face while his wife was tied up and assaulted while the worker was shoved into a cupboard.” The suspects stole a laptop, cellphones and jewellery.  Hettema’s wife survived the incident. The suspects fled the scene and police are currently searching for them.

Hettema won the South African Rally Championship five times. He also competed in cycling at the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne in Australia, where he ended in fourth place.

– News24