Shock and disbelief over senseless death of jewellery shop owner
“He always said to his employees that we are part of the family, and that is exactly how he treated us. He made everyone feel at home and indeed welcomed them into the family.”
The owner of a jewellery shop who was gunned down at Centurion Mall on Monday during an armed robbery was buried on Tuesday.
According to police, Mark Kopelowitz (55) was fatally shot when he unknowingly walked into his store, Kays Family Jewellers, while the robbers were on their way out.
Emergency service Emer-G-Med spokesperson, Kyle van Reenen, said medics arrived on the scene and found that Kopelowitz was shot.
“The male patient [Kopelowitz] was found in a state of cardiac arrest. Resuscitation efforts were attempted. However, they were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead,” Van Reenen said.
Social media was abuzz with comments mourning his death and people expressing their shock and disbelief about his death.
Marici Bestbier (48) from Clubview, a previous employee at Kopelowitz’s Brooklyn branch, JDC Family, said she was deeply saddened by the news.
“It is absolutely shocking and unthinkable that such a dear person had to be torn away from his loved ones in such a horrific and senseless manner,” she said.
“He was buried yesterday in accordance with his Jewish religion and I watched the funeral online. It was heartbreaking. My heart goes out to his wife, Linda, and their four children that he leaves behind.”
Bestbier said Kopelowitz had been “the best employer” she had ever worked for. She described him as the most beautiful person inside and out.
“He was humble, generous, very kind-hearted and eccentric, with a wonderful sense of humour. He was not one of those bosses where you had to jump up from your desk and look busy when he entered the office while you were having coffee. He lived and let live.
“He always said to his employees that we are part of the family, and that is exactly how he treated us. He made everyone feel at home and indeed welcomed them into the family.”
She said Kopelowitz took a keen interest in every employee.
“He was very popular and loved by all.”
ALSO READ: Suspect in Centurion jewellery shop murder, robbery linked to R1-m east gems heist
Two suspects were arrested in respect of the incident and police appealed to anyone who may have more information to contact Colonel Mafanele Hlangwane of Lyttelton detectives on 082 822 6253 or Crime Stop line 08600 10111.
Alternatively leave anonymous tip-offs on MySAPS app which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated with strictest confidence.
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