‘The intention was to kill my husband’

Adriano Visagie was shot dead by his business partner and brother-in-law. Picture: Supplied

Adriano Visagie was shot dead by his business partner and brother-in-law. Picture: Supplied

Published Mar 30, 2016

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Kimberley - The widow of Adriano Visagie, 32, who was shot dead by his business partner and brother-in-law, Deon Diedericks, before he turned the gun on himself, believes that the bloodshed could have been avoided.

Danielle Visagie indicated that a previous incident of assault, involving her late husband, herself and their business partners in February, and disagreements over the control of the business were a forewarning of the fateful events that unfolded on Thursday last week.

“The shareholders of the family business (Diano Auto Parts and Deco) included my late husband, father-in-law, Deon Diedericks and his wife (Adriano’s sister) and myself. It didn’t have to end this way . . . there are other ways of resolving differences,” Danielle said on Tuesday.

She added that a case of theft was also registered after three cash withdrawals were made from the company’s bank account without permission, on the same day that the shooting took place on March 24.

Danielle stated that following an argument, both parties had indicated that they would part ways, when the couples became involved in a fight, which resulted in assault charges being laid.

“Adriano said that he would remain the manager until he found alternative employment, although it was always his dream to be the owner of a business. Diedericks also said that he would walk out.”

She claimed that Diedericks and his wife demanded that they receive three times the income that was generated.

“My husband decided to consult a lawyer and an advocate as we would not be able to sustain the business if he agreed to pay out that amount of money. We were already doing everything we could to pay them decent salaries.

“A lawyer’s letter was sent to Adriano’s brother-in-law, Deon, informing him that his shareholding in the company had been terminated, shortly before the shooting took place.”

Danielle stated that she heard of the murder on her way back from the police station, after reporting the assault case.

“I was prevented from entering the crime scene. My husband was shot three times and was found lying on his stomach.

“He didn’t deserve to die in this manner. There is no doubt that the intention was to kill my husband.”

She indicated that the business was small and that her late husband was doing everything possible to keep the doors open.

“Cars were his passion. The business was not in any financial trouble and Adriano was always on top of things when it came to anything which had to do with the business.”

Danielle is hoping that the autopsy will have been completed by the end of the week so that she can bury her husband on Saturday.

She added that their nine-month-old daughter would now grow up without a father.

“We were only married for three years while we had known each other for seven. He was the type of person who treated everyone with respect and was willing to help anyone. He always had a smile on his face and was well known in Bloemfontein and Kimberley.”

Police spokesman, Lieutenant Olebogang Tawana, stated that the investigation into the complaints of assault and theft would continue, despite the death of the suspect and the complainant.

“The murder, attempted murder and inquest cases are also under investigation. We cannot discuss the autopsy details through the media, as the details related to the autopsy are part of the investigation.

“We cannot disclose how many shots were fired at the deceased.”

DFA

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