Tributes from the strongman fraternity continued to pour in for Francois Swart, who died on March 20 after being shot during an attempted robbery while transporting gold on the R21 highway between Boksburg and Kempton Park.
Francois and colleague Dale Collins were badly wounded before being rushed to hospital.
Gauteng police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects who were after the gold the two security guards were transporting.
This wreath was laid next to the highway in memory of Francois Swart (photo Pby aula-Ann Smit from Kempton Express):
Tristen O’Brien, who describes the late strongman as family, said: “I met Francois at the gym when he was 19: a young man hungry to learn and move forward. We quickly became rather close and he also started working for me. He became what I can only describe as family.
“He joined my team and was coached by my coach, Rory Scheepers, as well. He was known for his giant heart, almost anyone you speak to will tell you the same thing.”
Francois was also a security guard at one of O’Brien’s night clubs.
“He spent his last night with me, training and then we went for a meal together. His car is still parked in my driveway.
“Just a senseless loss to a man with an incredible future,” added O’Brien.
Boksburg strongman star JP Steyn said: “I knew Francois quite well. We both played rugby, him for the Pumas and I for the Falcons.
“We started our strongman journey together as well. We did our first competition in Bloemfontein and I supported him during SAs, Arnolds and all the other strongman meetings.”
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