Renier’s death traumatised those who knew him

Renier Theron, who died after being shot at his business in the Benoni CBD, will be remembered as an inspiring and “humble man” with a “fantastic personality”.

Fanie Muller (right) receives candles from attendees, at a ceremony held in honour of deceased Renier Theron recently.

Family and friends spoke highly of the Brakpan resident, who is survived by his wife Janine, his mother, Petronella, his sisters, Annetjie van der Poel and Anita Scott, and his brother Eddie.

A case of attempted murder was opened at the Benoni Police Station on Friday (August 5) after Renier was allegedly shot by his former employee.

He died in hospital later that night and the charge was changed to murder.

The incident happened at Renier’s business, Ren-Tech Auto Panelbeaters, in Lake Avenue, Benoni CBD.

The gunman was still on the run at the time of going to print.

Renier’s brother, Eddie said he was a very friendly man and was always open-minded.

“He was fond of helping people and he was never a violent person,” Eddie said.

“Renier was loving towards everyone and inspired many, not only in his community, but family and friends too.

“In whatever he did, he gave it 150 per cent.

“He would help people who were battling in life and he never held grudges.”

Eddie said their mother was devastated at the news of Renier’s death and that it is very traumatic for her.

Eddie described his brother as a sport lover, who loved quad bike racing, before he had an accident about four years ago.

“After the freak accident, he started drifting with cars.”

Also read: Renier was the ‘best man I ever knew’

Candles were placed in a pattern to form the number 440, which represents the racing number of the late Renier Theron.

Donovan Powell (8) hands his candle to Floors Huggett, a friend of the late Renier Theron, during a ceremony held to honour the fallen business owner.

Fanie Muller (right) places candles in a pattern to form the number 440, which represents the racing number of the late Renier Theron.

The family of the late Renier Theron at the candle lighting ceremony held to honour his memory.

Freddie Laubsher, father of Janine, described Renier as a very capable, but humble man.

“I was very pleased when he and my daughter started going out,” he said.

“He had a fantastic personality.”

Eddie and Laubsher said Renier took over the panelbeater business in the CBD, when his father died several years ago.

“Back then, before Renier took over, it was known as Howard Panelbeaters,” said Eddie.

Laubsher said the company will continue to run, with Janine at the wheel for now.

Renier was born and grew up in Western Extension, where he lived until he moved to Brakpan North, about nine years ago.

Renier and Janine were married for six years.

Laubsher thanked the community for their support and attendance at the candle lighting ceremony, held in honour of Renier recently.

The evening of remembrance saw those who attended lighting candles and placing them, as well as flowers, in front of Ren-Tech Auto Panelbeaters.

The candles were placed in such a way to form the number 440, which represents Renier’s racing number.

Janine was comforted by friends and family after her father thanked the community for their support.

Fanie Muller, a close friend of Renier, said at the ceremony: “He was the best man I ever knew, the amount of people here should attest to that.”