Slain Fitness Trainer's Family 'In the Dark' Over Police Investigations, SA Lashes Out
- The family of the Pretoria-based fitness instructor killed during a live Zoom training session has spoken out
- The victim's relatives have questioned the police's lack of initiative in imparting details around the investigation to them
- Similarly, there was a fracas on social media as netizens criticised the police for their inaction
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PRETORIA - As the public outcry continues over the live Zoom session killing of Pretoria-based fitness instructor Lawrence Masinge, his family has spoken out about the lack of information being given to them by the police.
As previously reported by Briefly News, the 40-year-old father of two was shot dead execution-style during an online personal training session in what appeared to be a house robbery at his home in Saulsville on Wednesday.
Source: Instagram
News24 reported that images taken of the scene showed a man dressed in beige pants and a black top while clutching what is thought to be the handgun used in the attack hovering over Masinge sprawled on the floor.
The fitness coach was reportedly part of a programme supported by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation aimed at promoting an active lifestyle among the youth.
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Masinge's clients looked on in horror as the shocking incident unfolded, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) has since launched an investigation into the killing.
However, his family, whom SABC News reported are battling to accept the brutal manner in which he was killed, are urging police to bring them up to speed on the investigations.
His brother Simon Masinge told a news report that he is yet to fully process what has happened.
“We are not feeling well. We can’t accept that he is no more. What makes us sad, [the police] are not telling us how they are progressing in the investigations. They aren't approaching us to speak,” Simon said.
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Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said police investigations are continuing.
"There are no arrests as yet but police are following the leads. [However], we cannot divulge any more information as that might compromise the investigation," Masondo told Briefly News.
"We appeal to anyone with information to call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be passed anonymously via the MySAPS App from any smartphone," added Masondo.
Scouring the sentiments around the case on social media, it became immediately clear that citizens have placed little faith in the police.
Citizens question police competency
Briefly News takes a look at the reactions below.
@Lethabo Trimvy Lee Thabo wrote:
"In South Africa, you need to have a stack of moola to live independently and rely on private institutions."
@Gontse Wako Ga-rankuwa said:
"SA police are useless still waiting for Senzo killer to be arrested."
@Phumlani Mntungwa Khumalo added:
"I am not surprised by this the more a case is challenging for SAPS the more they're reluctant to investigate."
Horror as personal trainer is shot and Killed during Zoom workout class
Per an earlier Briefly News report, Masinge's murder was witnessed by his clients during one of his live sessions.
According to News24, Masinge's clients headed to social media stating that he was shot in the head while they watched. It is believed that the murder was robbery-related.
The South African reported that one eyewitness said she joined the online workout class at around 7.30 pm. She added that 36 minutes into the session, she heard a loud bang which is believed to have been the first gunshot.
The witness said after the first bang, she ran to her laptop screen with her husband, who exclaimed that the instructor was being shot. She said the murderer shot at the instructor multiple times.
Source: Briefly News
