Marco’s Story
On the night of 5 June 2025, White River, Mpumalanga, witnessed a chain of events that has since been reduced to headlines and half-truths. But behind the noise is the story of a father, a survivor, and a boy who doesn’t understand why his father was shot, but then sent to jail. It’s a story where the real questions remain unanswered.
The Man Behind the Headlines
Marco Schalekamp is a devoted single father who has built his life around raising his son. He also served in special units of the British military, undergoing extensive training designed to instill control, precision, and the ability to make split-second decisions under extreme pressure.He is not a man drawn to chaos, but he knows how to face it.
The Night That Changed Everything
The evening began at a local rugby club, where Marco was with his child, his dog, and close friends. At some point in the evening, a verbal altercation occurred between Marco and and another party.
The other party and his friend, left the club, but later returned.
What happened next remains the subject of dispute, but it’s clear that the night quickly escalated.
Only two firearms were officially booked in with police after the incident.When Marco’s weapon was processed, 14 rounds remained in the magazine, consistent with his training never to fully load.
The Shooting
Marco was shot while sitting inside his bakkie. He has no memory of the moments that followed.
One person was fatally shot and another was also wounded but survived. Rumors swirl about who fired the shot that struck Marco, yet there has been no serious investigation into finding the answer.
The Investigation Under Question
This case has been placed in the hands of Investigating Officer Sergeant Mxolisi Keis, a man who now stands accused of bias.From the start, the handling of the investigation has raised serious red flags:
Eight used cartridges were reportedly found at the scene, yet questions remain about how and from which weapons they were fired.
Key leads have allegedly been ignored.
Potential suspects have not been questioned.
Critical evidence has not been fully examined.
While Marco was in prison, police searched his home. They claimed explosives were found, yet members of the public were inside during the search, raising serious doubts about scene contamination and the chain of custody.
In South Africa, where corruption and selective justice are common, the fear is not unfounded. Too often, investigations follow narratives that suit certain agendas while inconvenient truths are buried.
If the shot that nearly killed Marco isn’t properly investigated, how can we trust any part of this case to be impartial?
The Human Cost
Beyond the courtroom drama is a family trying to survive. Marco was his child’s primary caregiver and provider. Now, that child is without his father at home, navigating trauma and uncertainty while the bills and responsibilities mount. Every day apart takes a toll that can’t be measured in money or court dates.
Why We’re Fighting
We believe that justice must be based on truth, not convenience. Until all voices are heard, all evidence is tested, and every shot fired that night is accounted for, this case remains incomplete. Marco deserves the presumption of innocence, and his child deserves a fair chance at stability while the truth comes to light.
