Crime claimed the live of Mrs Vanessa Dreyer (27) an Edenvale mother of two and wife to Mr Quinton Dreyer.
She died on August 31 after she was shot during an attempted armed robbery.
Mr Jacques du Toit, Mrs Dreyer’s brother in-law, described Mrs Dreyer as a loyal, hard-working person who was always willing to help.
“She was a respectful, awesome, and a nice person.
“You could call her any time of the day and she would help you. She was a flower from God but now she has been plucked,” said Mr Du Toit.
Mr Du Toit said her family and being part of her two sons’ schooling career was very important to Mrs Dreyer.
“Vanessa was a good person, her children were her life,” said Mr Du Toit.
Mrs Dreyer, who spent a large amount of her time helping family, was also part of the Welpie Rugby Supporters Group of Laerskool M W De Wet Primary.
Mr Du Toit said both of her sons and his son played rugby for the school.
“On Saturdays when there was a rugby match, it was fun and games for the entire family. It was a real family event,” said Mr Du Toit.
He said he first met Vanessa many years ago.
“When I first saw her I thought she was really pretty, but she just wanted to be friends” said Mr Du Toit.
“Vanessa actually introduced me to my wife, Charlet, Vanessa’s sister,” he said.
Mr Du Toit said it was his wife who later introduced Mrs Dreyer to her husband Quinton who was a friend of Mrs Du Toit.
He said the couple (Vanessa and Quinton) went on a date to Fishers Hill (Lovers Lane) and their relationship grew from there.
“Vanessa would say this man [Quinton] makes me feel full of life,” said Mr Du Toit.
He said the couple got married in 2011 and they had been Edenvale residents for three years, staying just around the corner from the Du Toit family.
On the night of the incident, Mr Du Toit said he rushed outside his house to see what had happened after hearing gunshots.
“We tried to drive to Medicross but the car wouldn’t start. But the Lord gave me strength and I pushed the car down the road until it started,” said Mr Du Toit.
He said after 30 minutes of CPR Mrs Dreyer passed away.
“My little boy doesn’t understand, he asks ‘When is Auntie Vanessa coming back?’,” said Mr Du Toit.
Mr Du Toit said since the incident he wants to sell the Avenue property and move away from the area.
“I cannot let my wife live where her sister was shot,” said Mr Du Toit.
Mr Du Toit expressed his gratitude to the community for all their support.
He said the family had received condolence messages and flowers that were left at the gate.
Also read:
One person confirmed dead after Avenues shooting
Residents to address crime in the Avenues
SAPS warns of Edenvale crime hot spots
