Durban - The murder of uMhlanga businessman Garth Pratten, 43, after a meeting in Umbilo this week has left his family and community with more questions than answers.
Pratten was a director of three companies, Federated Meats, Jwayelani Retail and Ayoba Cold Storage.
On Tuesday he left a meeting at 1pm on Khuzimpi Shezi Road (Williams Road) in Umbilo and, as he got to his car, was shot in the head, said a family representative, who asked not to be named.
“We are all very suspicious about what happened, it looks like a hit. The whole situation is bizarre; it could have been a botched hijacking but nothing was taken and it happened in broad daylight.”
Asked if he knew of anyone who would want to harm Pratten, he said he had no enemies.
“Garth was an amazing guy, he was a kite-surfer, biker and a loving dad.
“He even gave maths lessons to underprivileged children in his spare time.”
Police have confirmed the incident.
“He was found dead with a gunshot wound inside the vehicle. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. Umbilo police are investigating a case of murder,” said police spokesman Thulani Zwane.
“He was sitting in the car at the time of the shooting, and was shot in the face, just below the eye,” he said.
“This is a very confusing case because nothing was taken and the murder was malicious; we are doing everything we can to try and solve it.”
“No arrests have been made,” he said.
On Thursday, 45 kite-surfers rode a “downwind” from eMdloti to Glenashley beach in his honour.
“Words are unable to describe this man! He was a true gentleman that put his family first,” read a message on the Ocean2air Kitesurf Facebook wall.
The Mercury