A father of four has been shot dead by skelms who robbed him of his cellphone while walking to work on Tuesday night.
Clayton Pienaar, 35, of Elsies River was left bleeding to death in Carramore Street in Connaught Estate just minutes after saying goodbye to his girlfriend and their two-year-old son.
His heartbroken partner, who asked not to be named, says she is struggling to come to grips with the senseless killing which has left four children without a father and breadwinner this Christmas.
“This week he was working night shift and he walks to work at CFW Industrial where he has worked for years as a machine operator,” the woman says.
“So after 6pm, me and my child walked with him to 35th Avenue and he said goodbye to us.
“I never thought that would be the last time I saw him. I turned around and walked home and just as I got to the door, two ladies came saying somebody was shot.”
HIT: Clayton Pienaar, 35, was killed in Carramore Street in Elsies River
Police spokesperson, Siyabulela Malo, says Ravensmead police responded to the shooting at 6.20pm and on arrival, they found Clayton lying on the ground on the corner of Carramore and Clare street.
“According to reports, the police members attended the scene at the mentioned address and found the victim, a 35-year-old male, lying on the ground with gunshot wounds and he was declared dead on the scene due to his injuries.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated and arrests are yet to be made.”
His girlfriend says she checked his pockets and found that his cellphone was missing.
“The people at the scene told me he was robbed and shot,” she says.
HIT: Clayton Pienaar, 35, was killed in Carramore Street in Elsies River. Picture supplied
“I don’t know how many times but I only saw blood by his head.
“He had four children but we only had one together.
“He was a beautiful person and we planned to get married next year.
“Every year at the Christmas party, he dresses up as Father Christmas and the children are going to miss him.”
Police urge anyone with information to call Ravensmead police on 021 933 9000.