Mourners gathered outside the Hanover Park home of slain tattoo artist Shane Steyn on Wednesday night where they hosted a candlelight vigil for the young man who was shot and killed by robbers over the weekend.
The 26-year-old, who was popular among local celebrities and Hanover Park residents, was shot in the chest while trying to flee from armed skelms on Saturday night.
Shane, along with his girlfriend and two friends,were chatting inside his white Toyota Conquest in Lonedown Road when they were approached by two gunmen who wanted to steal their cellphones.
Shane started his car in an attempt to escape, but one gunman opened fire and shot him in the chest.
He managed to drive down the road, but collapsed behind the wheel and his friends rushed him to Heideveld Emergency Centre. Sadly, he died on the way to hospital.
Mom Samantha, 49, says on Wednesday a large crowd gathered outside her Buall Walk home where they lit candles.
“There were a lot of people, I cannot even say how many but the vigil was beautiful,” she said.
“Some people we didn’t even know came and put down a red carpet, they put up pictures of Shane and lit candles in his memory.
“They held a service and prayed for the family. We are going through a rough time but we are so thankful for the support. Shane was loved in his community.”
Shane, who started Steyn Ink Tattoos five years ago to help support his mother and two younger sisters, was popular for his craft and had recently done tattoos for Cape Town comedian Carl Weber and his wife Valene.
Shane will be laid to rest today, but Samantha says the funeral will be restricted to family only due to Covid-19 regulations.
“We are only allowed 50 people at the church so we have had to make a list for the family.
“For friends and residents, they can come to a viewing at the house between 8am and 9am, but they have to wear masks and keep to the social distancing guidelines.”
SAPS’ FC van Wyk says no arrests have been made.
Anyone with info is asked to call Detective Sergeant Mveleli Kedama at 021 690 1517 or 073 586 2119.
monique.duval@inl.co.za