A gangster who promised to change his ways for his ill son, who died of cancer two years ago, had his vow shot to pieces.
Marco “Varkies” Erasmus, 35, was killed in a hail of bullets on Tuesday night, metres from his family home in Westridge.
His sister Felicia Le Sueue, 45, says her baby brother spent most of his life in the gang and in prison.
“He was a Hard Livings gangster, he was part of a gang always,” she says.
“I still loved him no matter what, you can’t choose your family.
“He told me this was the path he chose and he knew what was coming.
“He said, ‘If I have to die this way, it’s the path I chose for my life’”.
GRIEVING: Felicia Le Sueue, Marco’s sister. Video: Monique Duval
Marco was walking in Farrier Street on his way to Felicia when he was shot six times in his upper body.
Felicia says Marco died peacefully.
“He was at peace, he had a smile on his face when he died, he saw me with him and he couldn’t speak but he smiled.”
Marco had one son, Junaid Arendse, who died of cancer on his birthday on 1 January 2018.
Junaid, eight, suffered from stage four neuroblastoma cancer and defied the odds numerous times as he outlived doctors expectations.
GONE: Junaid Arendse, 8, died of cancer
In 2017, Marco made a commitment to change his lifestyle for the sake of his ill child.
“Marco tried to change but you know how it goes,” said Felicia.
Felicia says the family aren’t able to have a proper funeral for Marco due to lockdown, but will honour his wishes to be cremated and have his ashes scattered over Junaid’s grave at Kliproad Cemetery.
“We had his burial squared up but we can’t have the funeral we would want for him because of the lockdown, I don’t know how this will work, but we have to stick to the lockdown rules.”
Marco "Varkies" Erasmus, 35, killed. Picture supplied
Police spokesperson Mihlali Majikela said: “A case of murder has been opened for investigation, following an incident that occurred (on Tuesday) at 8.18pm in Farrier Road, Westridge,”
“According to reports, police members arrived on the scene and discovered the body of the deceased male, aged 35, lying on the ground. He was shot and fatally wounded.
“The circumstances surrounding this matter are under investigation and no arrests have been effected as yet,” added Mihlali.