On 22 November 1977, 40 years ago, Robert Smit and his wife Jeanne were brutally murdered in their Springs home. They were shot and stabbed several times. The words RAU TEM were spray-painted in red on the walls. A high-ranking member of the National Party, Robert Smit was involved in probable sanctions-busting activities through a front company, Santam International.

Told by Liza Smit, daughter of Robert and Jean, who was 13 years old at the time of the murders, this is a book of two stories; the story of the life-long and destructive impact the murders had on the lives of those left behind, and particularly and very poignantly, on that of Liza’s own life.

It also tries to unravel the mystery of the murders. We follow Liza as she gathers evidence to present to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and meets with a wide array of those who might help solve the crime, from ministers to shady con men. Despite Liza’s efforts and the huge public interest in the murders, despite the numerous conjectures on who might have murdered this high-ranking politician and his wife, despite the complicated reasons put forward as to who might have given the orders to have them killed, 40 years later we are no closer to a conviction or a trial.

Told by the daughter of Robert and Jeanne Smit, I am Liza Smit lends an intimate insider’s view into apartheid intrigues not accounted for at the TRC.

I am Liza Smit is also available in Afrikaans.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Liza Smit is the daughter of Robert and Jeanne Smit. She was 13 years old when her parents were murdered. She has since attempted to gather evidence that would help solve the crime of her parents’ murder. She is a mother and grandmother.

Raquel Lewis befriended Liza Smit and knew that Liza’s story needed to be told. It is a story she tells with enormous power and sympathy.

I am Liza Smit is published by Jacana Media