Richard Compton

Richard Compton is a part-time resident of Knysna as his work is based in Kwa-Zulu Natal. However, his wife and daughter now reside in their family home on Leisure Isle. He was a famous cricketer in his own right but is especially proud of his son who has represented England in several test matches. He sent me with this warm letter of support for Johann Burmeister:

If I could testify at this trial to the good character of Johan Burmeister I most certainly would. It is enough to say that this man was extraordinarily helpful and kind to me in protracted dealings I had with an issue relating to drugs and theft at my home in Knysna.

Being based in KZN, I was at my wits end trying to establish what was going on in Knysna’s bewildering underworld. Then I was referred to Mr Burmeister. I needn’t give you the complete rundown of events but I have recorded the 12 cell phone calls he answered from me, the four occasions when he willingly responded to my desperate requests to travel to my home to look in on my distressed, paraplegic daughter and his constant feedback as to what he believed had transpired.

When I finally met him, I was completely taken by his humanity and the difficulties he experienced in being a good policeman in Knysna.

Johann Burmeister

Of course, I have no insight into this missing laptop. But, in today’s South Africa, I suspect Mr Burmeister needs all the help he can get in fighting this case. He deserves Knysna’s good people to help contribute towards his defence. I only have to refer readers to the collapse of the NPA in this country and the State’s bumbling case against Colonel Johan Booysen in the so-called Cato Manor ‘Death Squad’ case as an example of the context in which Johan Burmeister might well find himself.

Thank you, Johann Burmeister.

Richard Compton

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