Forced to say goodbye much too soon

The loss of a loved one is never easy to deal with, and when they are taken from you too soon, the hopelessness and sorrow seem insurmountable.

Shane Williams was brutally murdered, allegedly by the robbers who carried out a cash-in-transit heist in Florida on Friday, 30 October. The 40-year-old father of two was stationed at his usual post on 14th Avenue near Hendrik Potgieter Road when the heist took place. He sat in his tow truck frantically messaging his wife during the chaos, making sure that she and the children were home safe, unaware that he would never see them again.

Some reports have stated that Shane was shot while pursuing the fleeing suspects, but two-way radio recordings told a different story. Recordings showed that Shane had not moved from his spot until an accident at Ontdekkers Engen was called in.

His family said he would not have followed the suspects – it just didn’t sound like something he would do – and this recording confirmed that. His family believe he was attempting to respond to the accident when he crossed paths with the fleeing suspects, who opened fire on his vehicle, shooting Shane three times in the side and once in the back of his head.

“He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said his wife, Annelin. “He hated confrontation and even if we saw those trucks filling the ATMs, we would go somewhere else because Shane knew how dangerous being around an armoured vehicle could be.”

Shane was known as a family man, who no one ever saw without a smile. He had a willingness to help wherever he could and a warm personality that made everyone who met him feel like they were his friend. Shane’s family told stories about how he was always just a phone call away, no matter what time of the day or night it was, and if anyone needed assistance, Shane was there.

The Williams and Nel (Annelin’s maiden name) families have always been very close, and they are an amazing support system for each other during this time, but there is still a huge hole in their lives. Shane and Annelin were together for 13 years, and had been married for six when he was ripped from her life, leaving Annelin, their 10-year-old son, and six-year-old daughter without the most important man in their lives.

“I don’t know how we are going to cope without him, I hear the children crying in their sleep. I have lost my life, and they have lost their dad,” said an emotional Annelin. The day after he was killed, Shane’s family and a hoard of tow truck drivers gathered on William Nicol Road, where he was killed, to erect a cross and lay out flowers in his honour.

Shane’s family said that he was the most amazing husband, father, brother, and son, and all they want is justice to those who took him away from them. “The G4S guards were arrested, but they didn’t pull the trigger. We want justice and for the men who murdered him to be caught,” concluded Annelin.

Shane will be dearly missed by all those who knew him, and the Record is sending their deepest condolences to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.