Please read UPDATE here.

Barbertonian, Luke von Johnston, died earlier today after being shot in the Low’s Creek / Kaapmuiden area. His elderly foreman, John Khoza, was also killed. According to information, the shooting happened when a fight ensued between Von Johnson and the suspect. It is still unclear what led to the altercation. The suspect was arrested by police.

Africa InTouch News spoke to Barberton SAPS Station Commander, Col Johan Engelbrecht, in an effort to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident, but he could not supply any more information as an investigation is in progress.

Luke von Johnson. Photo: Chantelle Blignaut.

Von Johnston is renowned for his involvement in the ongoing Rimer's Creek Saga and for advocating for the conservation of Barberton's heritage sites. In one of his letters, published in Lowveld Media's publication, Barberton Times (July 1, 2015), he wrote the following about the development of Rimer's Creek: “I applaud all of those determined to save the intrinsic value of our town’s history. Barberton is tentatively listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and our core historic area obviously needs protection, sensible development and conservation for future generations.”

While investigating the story, this journalist acquired information which was passed on to the SAPS. According to her informant, whose name is being withheld, they were with Von Johnson last week when he received a cellphone call in which he was threatened. According to the informant, Von Johnston had the caller on speaker phone. “The caller clearly stated that they planned to kill Von Johnson,” the informant said.

Africa InTouch News also spoke to friends of Von Johnson's.

“This is a very sad day for us Barbertonians - losing someone so dear to our community. Luke will be remembered for his kind heart and for fighting for our historical sites that meant so much to him. He will be missed by so many.” - Andrea Botha

“Barberton, and indeed the world, is a poorer place for the loss of Luke. He made places and things better, more lovely in his own style, and this is his legacy. We are very saddened by his passing." - Sol and Ronél Reinecke.

Another dear friend of Von Johnston's, Astrid Christianson from Barberton Tourism, said that Luke had a passion for Barberton since 1986. “He believed in the preservation, restoration and conservation of our beautiful town and what's more – he's always put his money where his mouth was. He will be sadly missed, and as a token of my dedication to my dear friend – Luke, we will keep on fighting the good fight and we will win.”

Article: Anchen Coetzee for Ama'Zone Media Solutions t/a Africa InTouch
Subeditor: Lynette Brink / Letter Linguist 
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