Tragic shooting robs family of their loved one

“OUR world is completely destroyed and we’re left to pick up the pieces.”

This is how the loved ones of Brandon van der Merwe describe the loss of their dear companion who was brutally killed in a botched hijacking earlier this month.

The 22-year-old was a second murder victim in the recent Umkomaas shooting where a policeman, Sam Nyawose was assassinated. Brandon was hijacked by the cop killers while on his way to work that morning and fatally shot on Thursday, 4 March.

A pending murder investigation is on-going and no arrests have been made.

His sister Rita van Dyk said this has been a difficult time for the family, who is still reeling from shock. “He was my youngest brother. In fact, he was like my own child. I would change his nappies and take care of him. We even worked together and going to work just isn’t the same. I still expect to see his car parked outside. This has really affected me. It is a great loss.”

Since Brandon’s passing, his fiancé, an emotional Aidan Welman finds it hard to vocally speak about their love and relationship. “Since the day we met when he gave me that hug I knew he was someone I wanted to be in my life. We were in contact via text for a while until he decided to make a plan to see me. It might be so cliché but I felt a connection as soon as we met. Our relationship blossomed very quickly and I learned what love really was. Brandon and I were perfect soulmates and I know it’s true because when he was stolen from me I could feel my soul being ripped in half. I feel my soul yearning for him in agony.

“Brandon was my friend, my advisor, my navigation, my lover and my soul tied partner Brandon was just so good, his good heart and his good intentions were in everything he did. He out of all people did not deserve this. He showed compassion to people who didn’t even deserve it, he forgave people who wronged him in the most disgusting ways. He was and always will be the embodiment of love and compassion,” said Aidan.

His friends, whom he lived with on the Bluff, Ashleigh Francis, Ashlyn Feucht, Nicole Beneke and Robyn Fivaz have similar sentiments, sharing how loving and considerate their dear friend was to them.

“He would drop everything just to help any one of us. He would light up the room just by his presence. He always pushed and motivated us to be the best we could be. He handled everything in his life with enthusiasm and always left behind a good impression. Brandon was ambitious regardless of all the obstacles he faced he still lived his life to fullest, nothing he faced was greater than him he knew everything. He was a Jack of all trades, he was our personal psychologist, handy man, chef, and doctor he knew what to do and how to do it, what to say and how to say it there was nothing that Brandon couldn’t do. He would give up the last of what he had to see those around him happy, he was the type of person who brought out the best in those around him. Our home will never be complete again without him,” they said.

Brandon’s mother, Rita Van Deventer said her son was a loving child. “You were a sunshine child. A piece of my heart was torn away. I miss you so much, your laugh, jokes and your swear words. You always cared about everyone as long as everyone was happy you were happy. You were taken away too soon but God needs you more you will never be forgotten love you so much forever and ever. R.I.P my son until we meet again sweetheart.”  

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