UPDATE: Standerton community, schools pay tribute to murdered businesswoman

While the suspect in the murder of Standerton businesswoman Reneé Lea was expected to appear in court this morning (August 26), the community honoured this beacon in their community by placing wreaths and flowers in front of her store.

The student councils of Standerton High School (SHS) and Standerton Elementary School (SES) gathered to lay flowers at the entrance of Pick n Pay where Lea was the co-owner with her husband Graeme.

She was described as not only a mother, wife and businesswoman but also a pillar in the community.

SHS expressed great sadness over the loss of Lea, stating that her family has left deep footprints in the school.

SES described Lea as a Proverbs woman, referring to Proverbs 31:25-26.

“We praise Reneé for being a skilful businesswoman, a lady at all times and a caring person with a big heart,” stated the school in a tribute post.

Captain Braam Robberts, the spokesperson for Standerton Police, said on Saturday morning it appeared that Lea was working at a kitchen table when she was overpowered in her home in Standerton on Friday night.

Her body was found in her stolen Range Rover in Garsfontein.

The provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, later said in a media statement that the preliminary investigation suggests that Lea was killed during a house robbery.
The house was ransacked before the suspects drove off with Lea’s body in the boot of her vehicle.

“An official from a tracking company found Lea’s car at a petrol station in Moreleta Park in Tshwane in the early hours of Saturday.

“While searching the car and the suspect, who was driving the vehicle, the body of a woman was discovered along with suspected stolen goods. This included laptops, cellphones, jewellery and deceased’s bank cards.

“Two firearms and one replica firearm were also found inside the car,” said Masondo.

The 21-year-old suspect was expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.

Some residents expressed outrage at how unnecessary her death was while others expressed condolences for the Lea family. It is clear this is a woman who was good to her employees, helped the community wherever she could and was held in high regard among all who knew her.

France Mahlangu, a business associate of the Lea couple, sent an open letter to Standerton Advertiser in which he pays a heartfelt tribute.

He writes:

As I was writing this tribute, my heart was heavy with grief. I am reminded of the profound impact Mrs Renee had on my life and the lives of countless others.

Today, I’m celebrating the life and legacy of a true icon, a trailblazing businesswoman who left an indelible mark on our community.

With her passing, we mourn the loss of a shining star, but we also honour her remarkable achievements, her unwavering dedication, and her unrelenting passion for excellence.

Let us pay tribute to a woman who inspired countless lives, and whose impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

My heart was shattered upon hearing the devastating news that our beloved mother, mentor, and pillar of our community had passed away.

The loss of this extraordinary woman, who was the epitome of hope and inspiration to our society, is a tragedy that has left me reeling.

I had the privilege of working with Mrs Renee in a business capacity, and I will always be grateful for her support during a challenging time in my business.

When I was vulnerable and struggling, I confided in her, and she provided me with invaluable assistance.

Her guidance and encouragement helped me navigate those difficult times, and eventually, my business reached a break-even point.

I shared this milestone with her, and her response has stayed with me to this day: “Keep pushing…until you reach your goals.”

Her words continue to inspire me to strive for excellence.

I had also the pleasure of meeting with her on numerous occasions, via phone calls and emails. In 2021, we had a special meeting to discuss the possibility of registering Pick n Pay for the national business awards. I proposed this idea, as I am familiar with these awards, to nominate her personally for the National Business Woman Award.
This was after learning about her significant contributions to society and the projects she supported in this area through her business.

I believed it would be fitting for Lekwa area to be represented by her in these awards, and I was confident that she would make a strong impact and bring the trophy to our area. Without a doubt, she deserved it.

Unfortunately, the country was not yet aware of the exceptional business acumen displayed by Mrs Renee.

As I write this tribute, I am reminded of her infectious smile, her quick wit, and her hearty laughter. I recall her impressive stature, her voice filled with gratitude, and her effortless ability to converse with ease. But most of all, I remember the warmth she exuded when you were in her presence – a sense of comfort and trust that made you feel like you were in the company of a true friend.

No matter our location, Standerton may be considered a small part of this vast country, but her passing has undoubtedly sent waves of sorrow across the business community nationwide.

She was indeed the ultimate corporate businesswoman of our time. She achieved not only success but also stability, sustainability, and growth
in this area by providing employment opportunities to our children, sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers.

The employment of these individuals at Pick n Pay translated into the feeding, educating, development, progress, and sheltering of thousands of families.

At home, we have a person known as the breadwinner.

Nature owes us an explanation for why remarkable individuals like Mrs Renee, who were so helpful, valuable, important, and meaningful to our society, are taken from us in such a tragic and untimely manner.

Why is the sky so silent when earthly angels like Mrs Renee are brutally taken from us?

Our hopes for justice from the government are dwindling, as their justice system seems to perpetuate the actions of these heinous individuals by providing them with shelter, sustenance, and comfort in prison. Meanwhile, our society is robbed of invaluable assets like Mrs Renee, who selflessly contributed to their families, and the community, created job opportunities, and invested in the future of our area.

Yet, such individuals are brutally murdered in a manner that defies our imagination.

Something is gravely amiss in our country. It’s unacceptable that we allow the senseless killing of valuable members of our society, only to let their perpetrators continue living their lives with impunity.

Let us set aside futile politicking and referendums, and instead engage in a meaningful national dialogue that addresses the urgent need to reform our justice system.

It would be a fitting tribute for those closest to this extraordinary woman, who has left our midst, particularly her husband Mr. Graeme Lea, their children, grandchildren, extended family members, business associates, and friends, as well as the local municipality, to come together and conceptualize the establishment of a foundation in her honour.

This foundation would serve as a lasting legacy, celebrating her remarkable life, achievements, and contributions to the community.

So that the foundation continues to spread her radiant smile, restoring hope to the destitute and marginalized.

So that the foundation can resume her mission to feed the hungry, support the projects she was passionate about, and carry on her legacy of improving the lives of local people.

So that her spirit continues to inspire us daily, reminding us of her dedication and passion.

So that her dedication doesn’t fatigue in her journey of improving the lives of local people.

So that the seeds of community investment, development, love, guidance and passion she’s already planted continue to germinate to benefit society at large.

So that her memory is cherished forever and never to be forgotten until the end of times.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Graeme Lea, the children, and the entire family of Mrs Renee.

May you find comfort and strength in the memories and legacy of your loved one in Jesus’s name.