Feared gangster boss in the communities south of Johannesburg, Leroy Brown, was gunned down on Tuesday morning.
Notoriously known as “Finch”, the Varados gang leader died sitting in his car after several bullets were pumped into his body. He was driving out of a shopping centre in Roodepoort after a workout at a gym there. He was 38.
Sunday World rushed to the scene and found out that the security guards who witnessed the gruesome killing were sent home to help ease their trauma.
Police said Brown had completed his gym session at Virgin Active and was on his way out when his life was cut short.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Brown was accosted by two men.
“They fired several shots at the victim and he was declared dead on the scene,” she added.
Videos and photos of the scene have been making rounds on social media. The opinion over Brown’s legacy is also dividing people on social media. While some users have expressed relief over his violent death, others hailed him as a hero.
Speaking to Sunday World, Gayton McKenzie, Patriotic Alliance leader, left a message for the youth after seeing the video and pictures on social media.
“Young people should not follow the road that we followed as gangsters. This leads to death, graveyard and prison.
‘Let’s change the narrative for youth’
“We are trying to build a new future for our young people because death has been our story for long enough now. Our story should be life,” McKenzie, himself a former gangster, said.
Brown’s wife, who was still in shock when Sunday World approached her for comment later on Tuesday, could not say much.
The police intelligence agent at the scene said he was not at liberty to share any information about the matter.
“No I will not comment,” he said.
Nevhuhulwi said that police in Honeydew are investigating a case of murder. She said the motive for the shooting was unknown at this stage and no suspects had been arrested.
Nevhuhulwi appealed for any information from the public. She said it can be sent toc Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or any police station. Anonymous tip-offs can also be directed to MySapsApp.
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