Loved ones pay tribute to murder victim Brandon

Brandon Jenner van der Merwe (22), known to some as BJ or B, was the second murder victim in the recent Umkomaas shooting where policeman Sam Nyawose was assassinated.

Brandon was hijacked by the cop killers while on his way to work that morning and fatally shot.

Tributes have since poured in for the young man who is originally from Benoni.

Friends and family described him as a loving, caring and generous person who added value to everyone’s life.

According to his loved ones, Brandon was known for handling everything in his life with enthusiasm and always left behind a good impression.

He was ambitious, regardless of all the obstacles he faced and still lived his life to fullest.

Brandon was a jack-of-all trades as in many ways, he was like everyone’s personal psychologist, handy man, chef, and doctor.

He always seemed to know what to do and how to do it, what to say and how to say it.

He was the type of person who brought out the best in those around him.

Brandon’s sudden death has brought about much pain to his loved ones as they believe that God entrusted and blessed his Mother Rita with him, yet he was taken away so soon and his passing has broken her and all she has left is his memory.

It has left his fiancé Aidan in complete disarray as a part of his soul has been snatched away, for Brandon left an imprint on his heart that can’t be replaced.

Brandon’s brother in-law Tim, was sent out to see where he was on the day of the shooting and what he discovered was not what he expected. What Tim encountered has ripped him apart for he had to be the bearer of bad news to the rest of the family.

Brandon’s sister Rita, has been his rock from birth. She changed his nappies and watched as he bloomed, yet was left to bid her baby brother farewell. When times were tough, he knew she was there and just as much as he needed her… she needs him too.

His brother Paul often reminisces on how Brandon was as a child, how he grew as a teenager and how wise he became as a man. Brandon taught him strength which was shown the day he was taken as he was so strong-willed through all that he faced.

Brandon had friends who became his family and many of them feel like they’ve lost a brother as he made it his duty to be their problem solver.

Words can’t amount to the void that’s now placed in the hearts of the people who loved him. Brandon was snatched away from those he loved and in a way he didn’t deserve.

The saying “if only heaven was a phone call away “ is so true, because a lot of those who loved him wish to hear his voice one last time and say their final goodbye. 

He leaves behind his fiancé, loving family and friends as well as his two fur babies, Zeus and Mia who all miss him dearly.

(Copy submitted by family and friends) – Edited article

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