LEVERKUSEN, Germany (July 21, 2008) — Johan Lotter, head of Lanxess Corp.'s Merebank, South Africa, site, and his wife were found shot to death in their home July 19.
Johan Lotter worked in Merebank since 1990 and had been the site manager since the mid-'90s. Lanxess produces rubber chemicals in South Africa.
Lanxess internal security service said it is supporting the authorities with their investigation.
“It is with dismay that we learned today of this shocking deed,” said Axel Heitmann, chairman of the board of management of Lanxess. “We are deeply troubled and will work with the authorities in South Africa for successful resolution. Our sympathy goes to the children, who have lost their parents in the cruelest manner.”
The couple leaves behind three children.