HE WAS loved by many and his family never thought his life would be cut short. But it was.
While he was online, giving a class!
Lawrence Masinge from Saulsville in Atteridgeville, Tshwane was shot 15 TIMES while live on a gym lesson on Zoom on Wednesday, 10 November.
His family said the death of their 40-year-old brother has left them with unanswered questions and that it’s clear the killer wanted him dead as nothing was stolen from his room, only his cellphone. Speaking to Daily Sun, his younger sister Irene said: “My brother was killed like a dog. The images of his lifeless body lying on the floor in a pool of blood are stuck in my mind.”
She said it’s clear the suspect wanted him dead after firing 15 shots at him.
“All we want is justice for my brother and we hope the law will take its course,” he said.
Lawrence’s brother, Simon said the killer jumped the wall to gain entry to the house and left the same way after he was noticed by their sister. “We did not hear any gunshots. We just suspected something could have happened after my sister saw a man holding a gun jumping the wall. When we went to check the backroom where my brother was busy, we found him lying on the floor with wounds all over his body.”
Another brother, Solomon said: “We just want to know why my brother was killed. He was a good person who loved his family. He loved doing his work as a fitness trainer and we don’t know if he had enemies.”
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Lawrence’s daughter said her father was a provider and now jealous people had taken him away from her.
“My dad used to tell me that people have been following him since last year even though he never revealed the names. My wish is for whoever is responsible for my dad’s murder to be punished for this evil act,” she said.
One of his friends, Kgabo Ndobe said she has lost a friend, coach and fitness mentor.
“When I heard the news of his passing, I couldn’t believe a loving soul and respectful person would die in the manner he did.”
Kgabo said she has been coached by Lawrence since 2013.
“I will miss his teachings about fitness and how dedicated and passionate he was about his work. The way he was so in love with what he was doing, he would apologise to us for not having sessions due to load shedding,” she said.
Gauteng police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said a murder case is being investigated.
“The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage. Police appeal to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or help apprehend the suspects to please call the nearest police station or CrimeStop on 08600 10111. Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS app.”
