Award tribute to Scot killed by car-jacker

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 15:10

THE employers of a Scottish scientist who was gunned down in a car-jacking in South Africa are to present an annual award in his memory.

•Volunteers carrying police-issue identity cards patrol the streets of Johannesburg's Alexandra township as the city tries to crack down on crime Picture: Getty Images

Dr Roderick Smart, 61, was shot dead at a petrol station in the Johannesburg suburb of Booysens as he filled up his car.

A man walked up to him holding a 9mm handgun and shot him once in the chest before stealing his black BMW. Dr Smart died at the scene.

His car was later found in Soweto. Police investigating the killing said the incident had been captured on CCTV and they hoped to release images of the suspect.

Two witnesses, who hid in the forecourt shop as the shooting took place, have been interviewed and the abandoned car has been searched and checked for fingerprints.

Dr Smart was known as Rory to relatives and friends in the Black Isle, where he grew up, and as Rod to colleagues at mining support company Minova RSA, where he worked for more than 20 years.

He had told colleagues he planned to retire as the firm's technical director later this year and return to Fortrose, where he retained a home.

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Dr Smart attended Fortrose Academy and later Aberdeen University. Friends said he was always fascinated by chemistry and geology. He collected fossils and rocks and later became interested in antiques.

He joined the construction firm Fosroc in 1984 and was seconded to South Africa in about 1987 for an initial two-year contract, which turned into a career.

He made regular trips home to the Highlands and last visited at Christmas.

He owned Kindeace Lodge in Canonbury Terrace, Fortrose, which had been leased out for four years.

Neighbours were shocked by news of his death yesterday. He told friends he had been mugged twice before in the past five years and that he had had to have high walls and barbed wire erected around his home in South Africa due to the threat of crime.

George Taylor, a family friend, said: "He was an exceptionally nice man. He was very intelligent but also quite shy and retiring. He didn't make a fuss about anything.

"He came back occasionally for Christmas with the family and he used to come down and see us."

Dr Smart had worked for Minova since 1987, and he developed cement liners and sprays used to secure mine shafts across South Africa.

Colleagues have already held a memorial service after the shooting earlier this month and, as a tribute to his work, an annual Dr Rod Smart technology award will be presented. Karen Stoffels, Minova general manager for Asia Pacific Africa, said: "Words can't describe the sadness and shock of losing Rod so suddenly and in such tragic circumstances.

"Rod was a highly respected and long-time Minova employee with friends and colleagues around the world. He was regarded as a world expert in grouting systems and was instrumental in developing the Minova RSA cement products business.

"His ability, knowledge and creativity will never be equalled in his field. He leaves behind great achievement, high standards and a deep humility that we should all strive towards.

"His enormous contribution will be missed and his memory will live on with the Minova team for years to come."

Peter Mills, technology leader at Minova USA, said he was "filled with sadness and shock" at the news. Rod was a source of inspiration to me over the years. I will miss him", he said.

Dr Smart's family said details of his funeral would be announced at a later date.