David Pratt (South Africa)
David Pratt | |
|---|---|
Pratt is overpowered after he shoots Hendrik Verwoerd | |
| Born | 1 October 1908 England |
| Died | 1 October 1961 (aged 53) Bloemfontein, South Africa |
| Cause of death | Asphyxiation (ruled suicide) |
| Nationality | British-South African |
| Education | |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, farmer, anti-apartheid activist |
| Known for | Attempted assassination of Hendrik Verwoerd |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Hatrick (divorced); Patty van Heijningen |
| Children | 2 |
David Beresford Pratt (1 October 1908 – 1 October 1961) was a British-South African businessman, farmer, and anti-apartheid activist. He was a wealthy liberal who was deeply upset over black poverty and racial segregation and spoke out against apartheid. Outraged by the Sharpeville massacre, Pratt tried to assassinate South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, shooting him twice. Verwoerd survived, but was killed six years later by Dimitri Tsafendas.