A South African Revenue Services (Sars) lawyer, Coreth Naudé, was shot three times in an apparent assassination attempt in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon as she arrived at her hotel parking lot in Durban North, near the Gateway shopping centre.
The Attack
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda told The Citizen that police in Durban North are investigating a case of attempted murder following the shooting.
“Reports indicate that the woman had stopped at the boom gate when two suspects approached her vehicle and opened fire. The victim reportedly managed to drive to safety and she was rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds,” said Netshiunda.
The suspects fled the scene in a silver or grey Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates.
Official Condemnation
Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter condemned the assassination attempt in the strongest terms.
“This shocking act is intended to intimidate officers of court to abandon the vital work they’re performing in furtherance of our country’s legal system. It undermines the authority of the State. Acts such as these and those who perpetrate it must be resisted and defeated by all of us working together for the betterment of our country and ensuring that none is above the law.
“Sars calls on our law enforcement agencies to act with speed in pursuing and arresting those who attempted to take the life of Advocate Naudé. Sars wishes Advocate Naudé a speedy recovery and her family well. We will not be intimidated by such acts of crime and cowardice,” Kieswetter said.
Context
According to News24, Naudé was acting for Sars in a tax inquiry involving controversial businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, her company, Royal AM Football Club, and other entities when she was shot.
This assassination attempt highlights the risks faced by legal professionals involved in high-stakes cases and underscores the need for stringent measures to protect those upholding the law. The investigation continues as the authorities work to bring the perpetrators to justice.