UPDATE: The Express today confirmed that Marco passed away at 09:45 on January 18.
The family and friends of Marco Doria (34) are dealing with the unimaginable trauma caused by Friday night’s tragedy.
ALSO READ: A 38-year-old man shot in Kempton Park
Marco was shot in the head at close range during an armed robbery at Edleen Supermarket in Duvenhage Avenue, Edleen, on January 14.
He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The family was left with even more devastating news to deal with on Saturday.
“We were informed that he has severe brain damage and was taken off the machines on Saturday. Although he was taken off the machines, he is not declared dead yet, as the brain stem that keeps a person’s heart beating is not damaged and is still beating,” explained Trevor van Heerden, Marco’s father-in-law.
“He is still in hospital, but the doctors said the brain stem will eventually die. It is the worst thing that we have to wait for him to go, as we have to wait for the heart to shut down.”
According to Trevor, Marco was with his brother when the incident occurred.
“They had gone to the shops at around 18:00 to buy eggs. When they walked in, the robbers also entered the shop. Marco turned when he saw the guns, which was when the robbers pushed him around and one of them shot him in the head,” said van Heerden.
“I am sure the robber was barely a metre away when he shot Marco. I saw the footage.”
Sgt Barbara-Anne Ferreira, the spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS, confirmed the incident and said cases of murder and armed robbery are under investigation.
“Three suspects allegedly went into the supermarket and demanded cigarettes and money. The one suspect instructed the customers to lie down,” said Ferreira.
“The suspects were travelling in a grey Nissan Hardbody. We urge eyewitnesses or anyone with information or surveillance footage from anyone living in Duvenhage Avenue to contact the station on 071 675 6803.
Trevor and his wife, Belinda, were informed by their daughter, Nicole Doria (30), Marco’s wife, about the incident.
She received a call from Marco’s brother and they rushed to the scene, where they found him lying on the floor.
Marco worked as a salesperson at Waterfall Arms and Outdoor and lived with his wife and three daughters, aged 6, 9 and 11, his mother, Jennifer Susan Doria (65) and his brother Gino Renaldo Doria (39), in Edleen.
Belinda said the family is still in shock and are trying to be strong and cope.
“It is devastating. I can’t explain the pain we are in,” shared Belinda.
“The worst is also the fact that he is in hospital and we have to wait for him to go. Gino, like everyone, is taking it badly. He was there when Marco was shot and together with my husband, they went inside the shop and saw him lying on the floor. We are organising trauma counselling for Gino and everyone else, especially those who were at the shop and saw Marco at the hospital.”
Trevor shared Marco will be remembered for his smile.
“He always had a smile on his face. I just keep seeing his face in front of me, even when I sleep,” said van Heerden.
“There is a lot that we will miss about him, but his ever-smiling face will forever be missed.”
Donations to assist his wife and daughters during this time can be made to the following account:
Capitec Bank
NJ van Heerden
Account number: 1330011056
Branch 470010
Side Bar:
Following the incident, an offer for an award of R100 000 has been released. This is for anyone who may have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. Any person with such information is encouraged to come forward. It will be treated confidentially. People with information can contact WO Pretorius on 082 804 2677 or George on 082 697 2090.
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