The community of Kraaifontein is in mourning after a popular club rugby coach was shot dead in front of his Eikendal home on Friday afternoon.
Nicolus “Lippie” Pedro, 30, who coached Hands & Heart RFC was shot once in the chest outside his home in Verster Street and died on the scene.
TRAGIC: Nicolus was shot once in the chest in Eikendal. Photo: Solly Lottering
The motive for the attack remains a mystery as his cellphone and possessions were still on him, indicating it was not a robbery.
Family member Lorraine Maloy says Nicolus “lived for rugby and improving his community”.
He was also a reservist firefighter in the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch.
She says Nicolus, who was recently announced head coach, and rugby star Cheslin Kolbe, who is playing for French side Toulouse, were great friends and started the Rebels Sevens rugby club in 2016.
“It is a great shock to us, to lose him so suddenly and so gruesomely. This is a very sad time in this community,”
Lorraine said.
Nicolus was also a respected member of the Old Apostolic Church.
Lorraine says he coached talented boys until they became “firecrackers on the field”.
“He was a giver. Everything he had, he gave to those in need. Every time they won a trophy or prizes involving money, Lippie and his team would plough it right back into the community,” she says.
“He inspired the boys in our community and leaves a very proud, but sad family behind.”
She says Nicolus was never married and will be missed by his heartbroken mother Maria Pedro, 51, and five siblings.
FORGIVEN: Mom Maria Pedro. Photo: Solly Lottering
Speaking to Daily Voice, Maria says her son got his nickname after he fell on his mouth as a child.
“He fell and his lip had a ‘ tet’, and the name stuck,” she says.
“My son inspired the community and we will miss him. The family are not and will not be victims of gangsterism. We live a life in Christ and we have forgiven whoever did this.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says: “The victim died due to his injuries. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation with no arrests so far.”
Saturday’s Super League B match between Hands & Heart and Rangers was postponed after the club rugby fraternity was rocked by the tragic news.