Lanxess executive and wife found dead in South Africa

ERJ staff report (DS)

Leverkusen - On Saturday, 19 July 2008, Johan Lotter (53), the leader of the South African Lanxess site at Merebank near Durban, and his wife were the victims of a violent crime. Both were murdered in the evening hours in their home. The authorities have been notified. The Lanxess internal security service is supporting the authorities with their investigation. The couple leave behind three children.

"It is with dismay that we learned today of this shocking deed” said Axel Heitmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Lanxess AG. "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.”

Johan Lotter has been active in Merebank since 1990, first in production, and since the middle of the nineties as the site manager. Lanxess produces high-value leather chemicals and rubber chemicals in South Africa. At five locations, approximately 450 colleagues work for the business.

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Press release from Lanxess