Gentle giant’s parents seek closure and justice

The late Alberton’s much-loved bodybuilder Johan Reed had his phone, money and R80 000 worth of company products in his boot during his murder, but none of that was taken.

Following his gruesome murder in what is described as a ‘Meyersdal hit’, multitudes showed up at his funeral to pay their respects, a testament to the type of person he was – a people’s person.

Now, after three years, his parents Tersia and Theuns Byleveldt have made a public outcry seeking closure and justice after the tragic passing of their son, known to many as ‘Reed’.

The health fanatic’s family is calling for any eyewitnesses who may have witnessed his fatal shooting to come forward with any information related to his case to the police.

Tragic passing

Brackendowns SAPS have confirmed that at least two suspects were involved in Johan’s fatal shooting in the parking lot in Meyersdal.

The deceased, who would have been 38 years old this year, reportedly left the Virgin Active Gym and walked to his car. The suspect then reportedly attacked him in the vehicle firing several shots that proved fatal for the deceased.

“The murder happened at the parking area of the gym in Meyersdal. He was shot 13 times, the motive is also unknown. Nothing suspicious was picked up on why he was murdered. No identification kits could be done. It was like a hit but the suspects were covered from head to toe,” explained Detective Mario Nes of Brackendowns SAPS.

He said the suspects drove away in white Golf with cloned number plates.

His bereaved mother, Tersia, said: “You can’t be so cross with a person to shoot him so many times to make sure that he is dead. The first shot was in the bumper so that he could look up and the keys weren’t even in the ignition of the car.”

She best described her son as a gym fanatic, loved by many and that she called him her ‘gentle giant’ because of his well-built body structure.

Seeking justice

In an exclusive interview, Theuns, his stepfather, said on the evening of October 21 he received a shocking call stating that their son had been shot.

“Upon our arrival at the scene, the police confirmed that he died on the scene. There were 13 shots fired, it has now come out that people are saying it was a mistaken identity. It wasn’t supposed to be him, it was supposed to be someone else. And some eyewitnesses witnessed what happened,” he said.

While he [Johan] was inside the gym, he says eyewitnesses at the gate saw an Indian male running around his car.
After the shooting, Theuns said they saw a rosary necklace inside the car and that he never wore one. The SAPS reckoned this was from the ‘hit guys’.

Reports suggest that the purpose of the rosary is to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in history.

“According to the investigating officer, everybody is too scared to say anything. After three years we believe maybe people will start talking to share more about what they saw.

“His son is going on eight years and he is starting to ask questions now and we need to be able to give him answers,” he explained.

He said his ashes are still with them and that they cannot bury him as they need answers.

Should you have any information which could assist towards the investigation, contact Theuns Byleveldt at 082 852 2611, or visit Brackendowns SAPS.

https://www.citizen.co.za/alberton-record/230513/update-two-suspects-involved-de-marionette-shopping-center-parking-lot-shooting/