Man shoots boss, himself

Malcolm Anderson, who was the owner of popular Richmond tourist destination Minerva Museum and Nature Reserve, was shot by colleague and friend “Vossie” Vorster, who then turned the gun on himself.


Anderson, 70, was rushed to the MediClinic hospital in Pietermaritzburg in a critical condition, but later died. Vorster was declared dead at the secluded farm house where the shooting occurred.
The incident left Richmond and Byrne Valley residents in despair, but mostly shocked that Vorster had committed the crime.

Strained relationship
Residents told The Witness on Wednesday that Vorster was believed to be destitute and on the brink of suicide when Anderson found him more than a decade ago, after which Anderson employed and took care of him.
It is believed Vorster left behind a suicide note, detailing a strained relationship between him and Anderson.

Anderson is widely known for establishing the Minerva Museum, which boasts a rare collection of several thousand pieces of antique memorabilia ranging from machinery and equipment to engines and vehicles.
The museum was declared a Natural Heritage Site and is situated on Minerva private nature reserve in Byrne Valley, where Anderson lived.

He also had several business interests in the Richmond area.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane, the shooting occurred at Anderson’s home at about 07:00 on Wednesday.
ER24’s Werner Vermaak said Vorster, who is believed to also be in his 70s, was lying dead on a couch with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Vermaak said paramedics rushed to treat Anderson and took him to hospital.
Anderson’s family could be seen on Wednesday waiting in the hospital, anticipating feedback from doctors treating him in the intensive care unit