Beloved security boss and community hero Chris Strydom was shot and killed in the early hours of Sunday morning while responding to a robbery at Spar Danville.
Strydom, founder and owner of CMS Investigations – the company responsible for cable patrols in the area since November 2024 – was widely regarded as a devoted protector of Danville.
In a heartfelt message to residents, ward councillor Mandla Nhlapo described him as a “friend, brother, uncle, neighbour and hero” and called on the community to rally around Strydom’s widow, Mariaan, and their family, while police and other authorities handle the investigation and details of the case.
“I am at a total loss for words to express the depth of the pain and grief that this has caused to our community. This is indeed a scar that will remain with us for as long as we’re in this community.
“I can confirm with a heavy heart that our friend, brother, uncle, neighbour and hero Mr Chris Strydom has deceased in the early hours of this morning while responding to a robbery at Spar Danville.”
Nhlapo said the details of the case are with the police and the relevant authorities; therefore, they are unable to disclose any further information, but trust that we will know in good time what transpired.
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@leonkruyshaar13 Good day everyone In the early hours of this morning 07/12/2025 we woke up to devastating news regarding the brutal murder of Mr Chris Strydom, the founder and owner of CMS Investigations, which has been responsible for our cable patrols since November 2024 with an outstanding record. I am at a total loss of words to express the depth of the pain and grief that this has caused to our community. This is indeed a scar that will remain with us for as long as we’re in this community. I can confirm with a heavy heart that our friend, brother, uncle, neighbor and hero Mr Chris Strydom deceased in the early hours of this morning while responding to a robbery at Spar Danville. The details of the case are with the police and the relevant authorities, therefore we are unable to disclose any further details but trust that we will know in good time what transpired. I wish to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Mrs Mariaan Strydom and their entire family for this great loss. May you be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His might. To the community at large, my plea is that we please support the family as Chris supported us, wholeheartedly in all our times of need, he lived and died in the name of protecting Danville. I am aware that many of us, neighbors and friends, want to show support in various ways. All of your support is highly appreciated. Please continue to pour your love and support to the Strydoms. We will be communicating the various initiatives and plans, that we as neighbors and fellow community members will be embarking on in support and solidarity with his beloved family as they prepare for his final send off. And finally to Chris, my friend you have been a genuine brother and companion to me and my family from the day we met, I cannot begin to mention the sacrifices you made for and with me in the name of serving. Losing you leaves a gaping whole in our hearts and in this community. You fought a good fight for the wellbeing of this community and we will forever honor you. Rest in peace Chris, we love and honor you sir.🕊️🤍 With lots of love, Cllr Mandla Nhlapo #communitysafety #cityofTshwane #saps #tmpd #cpf @rekordpretoria @NewsNexusOfficial @news_liveSA @Grizzlies_Family_Grill @@DA MOOT @thenewsdesksa @Democratic Alliance @Community Safety and Transport @Newsroom ZA @Yusuf Abramjee @South African Police Service @Mayor_CilliersBrink @Proshield Security @pierrehogewoning6 @CJ ♬ original sound – Ward Councillor Leon Kruyshaar
“I wish to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to Mrs Mariaan Strydom and their entire family for this great loss. May you be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Nhlapo said the community will forever honour Chris.
“And finally, to Chris, my friend, you have been a genuine brother and companion to my family and me from the day we met. I cannot begin to mention the sacrifices you made for and with me in the name of serving. Losing you leaves a gaping hole in our hearts and in this community. You fought a good fight for the well-being of this community, and we will forever honour you.
“Rest in peace, Chris, we love and honour you, sir.”
Police could not yet confirm the robbery or fatal shooting, nor provide more information.
Meanwhile former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink also expressed his shock and sadness, describing Strydom as a key community leader in Danville and Elandspoort who “spearheaded a community effort to make these suburbs safer” and achieved “great success in thwarting cable theft”.
Brink said he was devastated that Strydom had been gunned down while responding to an armed robbery and shared a tribute from residents honouring the man who, in their words, lived and died protecting his community.
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