The family of a Newlands East man who was shot over seven times and killed in full view of his wife and children is offering a R50 000 reward to any person with information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Haddock Avenue resident, a father of three, and grandfather of four, Ian Marais, 55, was ambushed at his home on Wednesday evening, 13 October, by unknown men who fired shots which took his life and also injured his friend. Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said upon arrival on the scene, police found the victim lying on the floor with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. “Another victim that was inside the house sustained injuries on their leg. They were both rushed to hospital for medical attention and a 55-year-old male was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The motive of the attack remains unknown.” She added that charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated at Newlands SAPS following the incident.
Speaking to the Springfield Weekly Gazette, the deceased’s wife, Yasmin Marais, said the killing was a hit. “The two men that stormed our home that night were sent and they made sure that he was dead, judging by the number of times they shot him. He was shot nine times and the fatal bullet was to the heart,” she claimed. Marais and her deceased husband owned taxis which belong to the Bonela Taxi Association. “We also own a YoTaxi which runs in Newlands East. We are known in the community and the news of his passing has shocked many residents and some of them have been coming in and out of our home to check on us,” she said. The deceased’s daughter, Shane’ Marais, said her father was involved in a lot of community outreach projects, such as feeding schemes. “He also paid school fees for children who come from disadvantaged homes. He was very strict and education was very important to him. My father was a family man who loved spending time with us, he also enjoyed exercising and going to the beach,” she added.
The distraught widow has dismissed rumours going viral on social media, painting her late husband as a bad person who was dealing in drugs. “Those rumours are false and fake, and I will sue the source of those rumours for everything they have. Yes, my husband had a past, he was a gangster many years ago before we got married. When we got married, he changed his ways and earned an honest living. He was a family man who would not be caught in illegal dealings, he did not deserve to die like this,” she said. The deceased’s brother-in-law, Mark Gradidge, described him as a person who earned an honest living and loved his family. “He did a lot of charity work in the community. When there were part-time job opportunities at my place of employment, he used to come and also work with us. He was no drug dealer, he earned an honest living,” said Gradidge. Marais said she now fears for her children as this happened in their home. “The people who took half of me will pay for this. We will not rest until justice is served. May my husband’s soul rest in peace,” said the sobbing widow. Ian Marais will be laid to rest on Saturday, 23 October, at the Holy Family Parish in Newlands East.
