K-Way SA ambassador and co-owner of Doggy-Style Grooming, Boarding and Doggy Daycare, Wesley Sweetnam, 30, was shot and killed in his Noordhoek home during an armed robbery on Sunday morning.
Fish Hoek police spokesman Warrant Officer, Peter Middelton, said an armed man entered Mr Sweetnam’s home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The safe was found open and an undisclosed amount of money, a laptop and his cellphone were missing. He was alone in the house at the time.
A case of murder is being investigated. Warrant Officer Middelton said he couldn’t provide further details as the investigation was at an early stage.
Mr Sweetnam’s death has rocked the far south, and tributes poured in on his Facebook page.
Josephine Low wrote: “Wes, you were a shining light and will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with Wes’s family.”
Shaun Bolley wrote: “Such a tragic and sad loss of a proper guy who gave so much on and off the trails. Until we see each other again, brother, RIP.”
Mandi Hart wrote: “This tragic news hit us all so deeply. Wesley, the way you lived and loved life inspired us all. Praying for comfort over everyone. Our hearts grieve together, and my deepest condolences to the family.”
In a statement, K-Way SA paid tribute to Mr Sweetnam and extended its condolences to his family and friends.
“Wesley was a promising athlete who has been blazing a trail within the competitive trail running community for a number of years. Along with his endurance and astonishing talent, he was known for his soft heart, big smile and an even bigger personality. He was a ray of sunshine and an inspiration to many for truly living his life to the fullest,” the statement read.
It also cancelled a sunset run, in which Mr Sweetnam was to have participated, on the Sea Point promenade, yesterday, Wednesday November 6.
“His friends and family will be organising a tribute run in his honour. We appreciate everyone’s understanding during this difficult time,” said the post by K-Way SA.
A post by Tony Lourens, in response, read: “Our deepest condolences from me, SA Mountain magazine, and all the climbing fraternity in South Africa. Only a week ago, we also lost a young talented climber to mindless violence. It cuts very deep indeed. RIP
Wesley.”
Rock climber David Wade was shot dead on Saturday October 26 when he tried to help security guards during an armed robbery at a resort in Mpumalanga.
AfriPaw Animal Welfare, an NPO that works with poor communities, said in a statement that Mr Sweetnam had lived each day to the full and had been friendly, helpful and always positive.
It thanked him and his family for their support of AfriPaw by accommodating many of its animals free of charge for months on end, grooming them, nurturing them and helping them recover from illness or injury.
The family had helped raise funds, sponsored vouchers and facilitated donations in aid of AfriPaw.
“We are deeply grieved and saddened by the sudden and senseless loss of a beautiful life. Our community has lost a beacon of light and hope,” the statement read.
Anyone with information about the incident can call the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Chris Cloete, at 078 648 1428.
